PUC Chronicle

Issue date: 12/4/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Bradley Ehrhardt PUC guard Marcus Ford dribbles down the court against Judson College defense.

The men's basketball team played their second straight home game, hosting the Judson College Eagles Wednesday. The Peregrines looked to build on the momentum of a dramatic 76-75 win over Spalding Monday. PUC did just that with a commanding 76-61 victory.
Judson started things off quick, opening up a 9-4 lead. Judson's defense played the Peregrines tight, preventing PUC from taking any easy shots. The Peregrines chipped away at the lead and finally took over for the first time of the night nearly eight minutes into the game. The lead didn't last long though as Judson was soon ahead by four.
Back to back fast break buckets by the Peregrines tied the score, and PUC looked to take control of the game. They continued to attack the basket and built up a nine point lead to end the half.
Despite the score, both teams had their troubles offensively, shooting under 40 percent from the field.
PUC came out in the second half sloppy and effortless and Judson took advantage of the Peregrines poor play. In the blink of an eye, Judson took the lead after going on an 11-0 scoring run. The Peregrines were still only down by two.
The Peregrines' struggles continued as Judson maintained the lead. PUC was held scoreless for the first five and a half minutes of the second half.
After coach James made substitutions, the team seemed to get it together.
"Guys off the bench came in and sparked us both defensively and offensively," said Assistant Coach Drew Fountain. "They stepped it up."
After the team got it together, the starters were subbed back in and took control of the game. Senior forward Minuyard Wheeler helped lead the way for the Peregrines, draining three shots from behind the arc to give the Peregrines the lead and finishing with a game-high 19 points.
After taking the lead, PUC never looked back. The Peregrines defense, which forced 30 turnovers during the night, played tough on Judson and refused to let them get back in the game. The Peregrines built on their slim lead and with seven minutes left in the half, PUC found themselves up by 10. The Peregrines cruised the rest of the game.
Junior guard Steve Polak was hot in the Peregrines win with 13 points, while shooting 50 percent from the arc.
The Peregrines finished the game strong, with a 15 point lead.
"It was a good win for us, but it was sloppy," said coach Fountain. "We have to improve on some things offensively and defensively."

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