The Basics
Score: #10 Roanoke 59 | Covenant 51
Records: Maroons 8-2 / 1-1 ODAC | Scots 6-3
Location: Salem, Va. (Cregger Invitational)
The Lead: After a short break to enjoy the holiday season, the Roanoke men's basketball team was back in action when they hosted Covenant on the opening day of the 2021 Cregger Invitational. The Maroons struggled to score during a first half that would see the Scots take a 26-23 edge into the break. Just about mid-way through the second half, Roanoke used a 12-1 run to seize control, building an 11-point lead. The Scots would cut the lead to five but Roanoke hit enough free throws to put the game away, 59-51.
How it Happened:
- Covenant took an early, 6-2, advantage as both teams struggled to get into any sort of offensive rhythm. At the 12:30 mark, Kasey Draper hit back-to-back jump shots to give the Maroons their first lead, 10-8.
- Ethan Rohan scored before the Scots would regain the advantage. Another Draper jump shot gave RC a 16-15 edge, their last lead of the first half.
- The Scots led 26-19 in the final minute. Draper hit another jumper and Efosa U-Edosomwan converted a transition opportunity to make it 26-23 at the half.
- Back-to-back Draper scores allowed the Maroons to re-take the lead but the game would go back and forth. Justin Kuthan tied the game at 31-31 with a little over 14-minutes left to play.
- Zach Rosenthal hit a three-pointer to start, and U-Edosomwan scored on consecutive possessions to complete a 12-1 run, seizing control with nine minutes remaining on the clock.
- The Scots made it a five-point game with 45 seconds to play. Free throws by Draper and Nick Price sealed the win for the Maroons, 59-51.
- Draper registered a double-double with 30 points and 10 rebounds, just missing his career high of 31. U-Edosomwan finished with 10 points while Rohan added six points to go with a game-high 13 boards, and a pair of blocked shots.
Up next: Covenant will face Buena Vista University (Iowa) tomorrow at 2pm with the Maroons playing BVU on Friday at noon to wrap up the 2021 Cregger Invitational.
