Slippery Rock men’s basketball put up a close fight against Edinboro University at Morrow Field House in a 74-64 loss last night.
Maceo Austin’s last game was Jan. 11, Jomo Goings’ Jan. 18, and Sheick Samoura’s Jan. 22. Coach Grady emphasized The Rock is still playing with confidence despite being without two of their usual starters and a key role player.
“We got confidence, and we got a lot of good players,” Slippery Rock head coach Ian Grady said. “The fight was there and everyone knows they’re confident in their own abilities.”
Grady went on to say, “That’s why you have a team, it’s all family-like. When one guy goes down, the next one steps up and fills his void.”
The Rock was the first to put points on the board with a layup by Bobby Clifford in the first minute of the game. Edinboro was quick to recover with a layup of their own, tying the score.
After a rebound and a layup from Day Waters giving them the lead, the Fighting Scots jumped ahead with a three-pointer. SRU took back the lead with a jumper.
Two three-pointers delivered by Edinboro gave them the advantage of 11-6. A three-pointer and a jump-shot from Slippery Rock tied it at 11 with just over 12 minutes remaining in the first half.
The White and Green’s offense gained 17 more points to finish the half. Edinboro claimed the lead, ending the first half 35-28.
Out of the break, the Fighting Scots opened the scoring, but SRU was able to cut the deficit to six by the 16:27 mark.
Day Waters broke his career high for most points scored by tallying 24 points. He also led the game for most points scored, doubling Daunte Wilcott’s total.
“[Waters] was able to get to his spots on the floor and make some critical plays for us. I thought he played a good game offensively,” Coach Grady said.
The Rock was not able to find the lead in the second half despite being just three points down with over eight minutes to play.
Along with Waters leading the game in points, Howes led for SRU with five assists.
Slippery Rock men’s basketball will take the court again this Saturday against Seton Hill University at The Katherine Mabis McKenna Center.
“It’s a short turn around, so we’ve got to look at what we didn’t do well and compare that to what we want to do and make those changes quickly to play our type of basketball.” Grady said.
