Van Zanic
Director of Sports Information
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2009
DEFENSIVE DRAWBACKS, GROVE CITY BURNS SECOND
HALF NETS IN WIN OVER GENEVA
Beaver Falls, PA - Geneva College′s men′s basketball team dropped to 4-13 for the season with a 77-66 loss to Grove City College in the 143rd edition of one of the longest running rivalries in the region. The Wolverines improved to 10-6 with the victory that cemented the season sweep against the Golden Tornadoes.
Grove City took a 35-30 lead into the halftime break and quickly worked the lead to double digits, but was never able to fully shake a hard working Geneva club. The Wolverines would not be denied as they finished the second half by shooting an impressive 63% from the field (17-27). On two occasions in the second half, the Golden Tornadoes cut the lead down to a single point but were never able to take the lead. Late in the game, Grove City was able to hold off Geneva and extend the lead into double figures thanks to the combined efforts of Ryan Gibson and Andy O′Keefe. O′Keefe posted a game high 22 points while Gibson scored 15 points.
Geneva had three players reach double figures led by Dave Phillips′ 18 points, including 4-9 from three-point range. Justin Nardi scored 16 points and added seven assists. Richard Colick, Geneva′s leading scorer coming into the game, scored 14 points.
"Same old story for a team that needs to learn how to win," said head coach Jeff Santarsiero. "We play hard, we compete and we don′t quit, but we just have not figured out a way to consistently win games on the defensive end of the floor and that has been the story of this club."
Geneva will end its three-game home stand on Wednesday as they look to get a win during the streak when it hosts Washington & Jefferson on Wednesday night. The Golden Tornadoes will travel to Bethany College next Saturday afternoon.
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