Box Score
The Wilkes University men's basketball team snapped its three-game losing skid by taking an 80-72 Freedom Conference win over King's behind a 20-point, seven rebound performance by
Tom Kresge (Brodheadsville, Pa./Pleasant Valley).
Kresge was one of the reason's why the Colonels shot nearly 50 percent from the field, hitting 8-of-12 shots, as well as 3-of-4 from the free throw line. He also blocked two shots and picked up two steals in the win.
Wilkes turned it on in the second half, hitting 61 percent from the field, including 50 percent from beyond the three-point line and turned the ball over a season-low eight times.
Chris DeRojas (Kingston, Pa./Bishop O'Reilly) was red-hot in the game's first 11 minutes, scoring 15 points after hitting 5-of-7 from behind the three-point line. He had nearly half the team's total points (33) in the first half, missing just four shots he attempted. He made three-straight three's, all coming from 25 feet or further. He would eventually finish with 19 points on the night.
Despite shooting under 40 percent in the first half, Wilkes held a 33-31 advantage, but led by as many as nine (24-15) with under seven minutes to play after Kresge made a layup. King's would eventually tie the game after an 11-2 run capped off with a three-pointer by Mike Wagner. It was the only three he would make and would finish with 11 points on the night.
Kevin Conroy, who finished with a game-high 27 points, tied the game with 17:44 to go after making a layup then gave the Monarchs their only lead of the game after completing the three-point play by making a free throw. The lead was short-lived as Kline gave the Colonels the lead for good after hitting a 15-foot jumper with 17:26 to play. Kline had the game's only double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds and hit a career-high three three-pointers on the night.
Wilkes led by 10-or-more points five times over the last 10 minutes, including a 71-58 advantage with 2:53 to go after Kline drained his third three-pointer. It would be the last field goal the Colonels would make the rest of the way, but they hit 9-of-11 free throws over the last 2:53 to hold off a late run by the Monarchs.
The win improves the Colonels to 10-7 overall and 6-4 in Freedom Conference play. They will return to action Saturday when they host Delaware Valley at 3 p.m. in the Marts Center.
