FEBRUARY 26, 2003
BOB ZIADIE
MONARCH DROP 71-70 HEARTBREAKER TO SCRANTON IN MAC
FREEDOM PLAYOFFS
WILKES-BARRE -- The King's College men's basketball
team saw its MAC Freedom Conference title dreams come to an end as the
Monarchs dropped a 71-70 verdict to the University of Scranton Wednesday
at the John Long Center.
King's held a 57-56 lead with 5:11 remaining when
Monarch junior guard Dannie Evans was called for a technical foul while
attempting to block a three-point shot by Royal guard Ryan Rogan. Scranton
center Derek Elphick missed both charity tosses on the technical foul
before Rogan made two-of-three foul shots on the called foul to give
Scranton a 58-57 lead. The teams would play even down the stretch and with
0:21 left, Monarch sophomore Britt Moore drained a three-pointer to tie
the game for the eighth time at 68-65.
But on the ensuing possession, King's guard Brandon
Abney was assessed with a foul with 0:13 left as Rogan made both attempts
to put the Royals on top 70-68. After a King's miss, Elphick rebounded and
was fouled with 0:06 left. The 6'8" senior made one-of-two attempts
to put Scranton ahead 71-68. King's would get one last chance but Marty
O'Hora's desperation three-pointer fell short and was laid in at the
buzzer by Dave Marks to end the game at 71-70.
The game was clearly decided at the foul line as the
host Royals made 24-of 31 attempts while the Monarchs would made 7-of 12
free throws. The Monarchs made 30 field goals compatred to just 21 fro
Scranton. King's also struggled mightily from three-point range as the
Monarchs made just 3-of-17 long range shots.
Britt Moore led King's with 19 points and eight
rebounds while Marks added 16 points. Holloman chipped in with 10 for the
Monarchs who fell to 16-10. Scranton was paced by Elphick with 23 points
while Rogan added 13.
