Box Score

LANCASTER, PA – Hoping to pull off the stunner Thursday evening against Lancaster Bible College, the Crimson Eagles failed to keep pace during the second half of play, falling to the Chargers 87-75 during the opening round of the NCCAA East Region playoffs.

The Crimson Eagles were once again plagued by their season-long Achilles Heel of turnovers as the group gave 20 gifts to LBC throughout the night, a number that led to a 28-10 advantage in points off the miscues for the host squad.

Following a true back and forth skirmish throughout the opening 20 minutes that led to a 40-40 tangle at the intermission, Lancaster was able to create separation throughout the back end of play by boosting their second half field goal percentage to 51.5 percent.

The Chargers opened up the second frame by burying four straight triples, a swing that helped the host squad jump out to a 54-47 edge less than four minutes into the stanza.

PBU clawed their way back into single digits several times down the stretch but couldn’t pull any closer than five as Lancaster eventually broke open the game late, at one point leading by as many as 18 in the closing moments.

In addition to winning the turnover battle, Lancaster enjoyed a 13-7 edge in offensive rebounds for the contest while hitting eight of 18 three point looks (44.4 percent).

For the first time this year, PBU received double digit points from five different players, led by Claude Chalk’s team high of 19. Adam Derus added 16 and Jeremy Pearson and Drew Lindow both chipped in with 11. Jeff Bishop finished with 10.

Thursday’s loss officially knocks PBU out of the NCCAA East Region tournament as the Crimson Eagles conclude the year with a 0-25 record.