February 13, 2012 - Geneva College
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February 13, 2012

Picture of February 13, 2012

Beaver Falls, PA - The Geneva College men′s basketball team took a break from the Presidents′ Athletic Conference on Monday night for a non-conference game against Penn State Beaver. As it turned out, it was hardly a break as the two teams turned the Metheny Fieldhouse floor into a track meet. When the dust settled, Penn State Beaver had picked up an 89-85 victory to sweep the season series from Geneva for the first time in school history. The Golden Tornadoes, who dropped an 89-83 decision to the Lions earlier this year, dropped their fourth straight and fell to 5-18 on the season. Meanwhile, Penn State Beaver extended its winning streak to 14 games and moved to 21-4 on the season.

Both teams shot the ball well from close range. The fast pace enabled both teams to get good looks at the basket for most of the night. Geneva shot 71% from the field in the first half but only led 45-42 at the break thanks in most part to 15 first half turnovers. Geneva ended the game with 28 turnovers which certainly didn′t help the cause late in the game.

Despite the turnover trouble, Geneva led by as many as seven points in the second half. Twice the Golden Tornadoes opened up seven point leads only to see the Lions storm back to tie the game. The game featured nine ties with the last of which coming at the 45 second mark 85-85 following a pair of David Phillips free throws. 12 seconds later, Julian Taylor converted an old fashioned three point play to give the Lions an 88-85 advantage. Geneva had two more chances to tie the score but three point efforts from Drew Santarsiero and then Phillips in the final seconds bounced out and the Lions held on for the victory.

Following a 37 point effort against Penn State Beaver in the first meeting this year, Matt Lorello put up 29 points to lead the Geneva attack. Phillips finished with 24 points and Keynon Jackson added 16 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Jackson was a perfect 7-7 from the field. The Lions finished with five players in double figures led by Nick Miller′s 17 points.

Geneva will travel to Washington & Jefferson on Wednesday before closing out the regular season at home on Saturday night against Westminster College at 7:30 pm.

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College′s philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education.

Feb 13, 2012