Box Score

The Wilkes University men's basketball team traveled to Williamsport, Pa. to take on Lycoming on Saturday, ultimately coming out the victors by a final score of 82-70.

The game began two free throws by senior Anthony Gabriel (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Trinity), giving Wilkes a lead that it would retain until five minutes remaining in the half when the Warriors took a 26-25 lead. That deficit would not last long for the Colonels, as junior guard Chris DeRojas (Dallas/Bishop O'Reilly) rattled off three three-pointers in just over two minutes, giving Wilkes a five point lead with 2:28 left in the half.

The Colonels would finish with a strong first period, leading 41-32 at the break, much in part due to five three-pointers and holding Lycoming to 41% shooting from the field.

In the second half Wilkes would retain its lead, never surrendering despite multiple runs by the Warriors. With just over six minutes left in the contest, Lycoming inched to within two points of the Colonels, but once again DeRojas answered for Wilkes, hitting a three-pointer and a layup to extend the Colonel lead to seven. Wilkes would then cruise to an 82-70 victory, making its free throws down the stretch.

DeRojas ended up with 37 points on the day, hitting on 11 of 16 from the field, including six of seven from three and nine of 10 from the charity stripe. Tom Kresge (Brodheadsville, Pa./Pleasant Valley) had a solid performance, recording a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Kendall Hinze (Lewisberry, PA/Red Land) chipped in a season high 10 points on four of five from the field.

The Warriors were led by Will Kelly with 23 points and eight rebounds.

With the victory the Colonels are now 5-3 on the season, and will look to improve upon that record when they compete in the Wilkes-Barre Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 2. against either Carthage or John Jay. That game will begin at 6:00 p.m. at King's College.