February 16, 2009 - Geneva College
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February 16, 2009

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Van Zanic

Director of Sports Information

(724) 847-6886

vgzanic@geneva.edu

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 16, 2009

HOME SWEET HOME, GENEVA ENDS HOME SKID WITH

WIN OVER CROSS-TOWN RIVAL

Beaver Falls, PA - Back on January 16th, Geneva College lost to Penn State Beaver for the first time in the history of the program. On Monday night, the Golden Tornadoes enacted some revenge over the Lions with an impressive 97-71 victory. By defeating Penn State Beaver, the Golden Tornadoes put an end to their five game home losing streak, the longest such drought since 1986. Geneva improved to 7-16 on the season and the loss dropped the Lions to 18-6.

Geneva College jumped out early with 29 points in the first eight minutes of the game. Opening a 29-14 lead, the Golden Tornadoes looked like they were ready to break the game open, but Penn State rallied back to within ten points and at the half Geneva took a 46-33 lead into the locker room. The second half belonged to the Golden Tornadoes as they posted 51 points and shot 45% from the field. For the game, Geneva knocked down 11 three point field goals and shot 50% from outside the arc. "We made this game personal," said head coach Jeff Santarsiero. "We came out with some fire and wanted to put the loss earlier in the year behind us and I think we accomplished that tonight."

One of the main reasons for the victory was a career best performance from senior guard Justin Nardi. Nardi scored a career high 27 points, including a 4-5 effort from three-point range. "Justin played the best game of his career," said Santarsiero. "He knows a lot of those guys on the other side and really wanted a win."

In addition to Nardiā€²s 27 points, Rich Colick had another impressive night with 22 points and 16 rebounds. His 16 boards matched a career high that was just reached last week. Brandon Harvey added 15 points and Dave Phillips chipped in with 13 points. Penn State Beaver got 22 points from Zach Fetchin and former Geneva player Matt Franitti posted a 12 point night.

The Golden Tornadoes close out their home schedule on Wednesday night when they host Thiel College. Geneva will end the season on Saturday with a trip to New Wilmington to battle Westminster.

Feb 16, 2009