MEADVILLE, Pa. – Spurred by a tremendous second half, defending PAC champions Bethany knocked off Allegheny, 82-60, in the season opener for both schools on Tuesday night at the David V. Wise Center. The Bison led by just two at halftime, but blew the game open midway through the second frame behind an explosive transition attack.
Senior James Ness picked up a double-double after dropping a game-high 20 points while hauling down 10 boards. Sophomore Ryan Stanko, who closed 3-of-4 from three-point range, finished with 15 points and was the only other Gator to post double figures on offense.
A young Allegheny squad, which at times had four first-year players on the floor, faced a stiff test against an extremely athletic Bethany team that returned its top four scorers from a unit that won the Presidents' Athletic Conference Championship and advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament last season. The Bison turned the Gators over 23 times, totaled 14 steals, and scored 26 points off turnovers.
Allegheny did a fantastic job in neutralizing Bethany's big-play ability in the opening half, but the Bison improved their efficiency in the second en route to 50% shooting (17-of-34), including 22 points in the paint. Four players scored in double digits for the Bison, including British Alexander, who manufactured a monster game with 19 points, 12 rebounds, five blocks, and a pair of steals. James Barton scored 16 of his 18 points in the second half while Reece Mabery added 16. Nick Wilcox, who was the team's leading scorer last season, chipped in 13 points and added a game-high six steals.
The Bison had just 14 assists on 30 field goals, but were able to get to the cup with regular frequency in the second half after exhausting the Gators with their length and pressure. Although Bethany finished the game with just two more possessions than Allegheny, it totaled 19 more shots.
Trailing 35-33 at the break, Allegheny was forced to play catch up as Bethany converted its first four attempts after the re-start. The Gators stayed in the battle in the early part of the stanza and a three-point play by rookie Gabe Seidman brought the Blue and Gold within five with 14 minutes left in regulation (50-45). Unfortunately for Allegheny, Bethany maintained its hot stroke for the duration while the Gators were unable to respond when given the chance. Allegheny shot 2-of-10 from behind the arc in the second and finished the night 10-of-20 at the free-throw line.
Ten different players scored for the Gators, who have made noticeable improvements to their lineup despite Tuesday's outcome. Junior Devone McLeod added nine points and six assists in 35 minutes of play while sophomore D'Andre Corbin delivered a game-high seven assists. Ness, who dropped two ferocious dunks in the second, continued his outstanding efficiency on the offensive end and finished 7-of-10 from the floor.