Ryan Woerner
Staff Writer

On Saturday afternoon, the Marauders and the Lock Haven Bald Eagles took to the court in each teams first divisional match-up of the season. Entering on a three game winning streak, the Marauders looked to continue that trend and record their first road win against 2-1 Lock Haven. After starting the game slow, the Marauders surged back to force overtime, eventually going on to win by a score of 87-79.
Historically, Millersville hasn’t had much of a problem disposing of the Bald Eagles, entering the game with a 55-16 record, including eleven consecutive victories. From the start, however, this game appeared as though it may turn out a fluke. After senior guard Larry Grant nailed a three point jumper on the first play of the game, the Bald Eagles took the lead less than a minute later, and held it for the remainder of the first half. Leading by as much as eighteen, Lock Haven seemed to be in position to take the first PSAC matchup of the year and put a dent in Edinboro’s commanding PSAC West lead.
Entering the second half, the Marauders were hardly done fighting. After cutting their deficit throughout the latter half of the game, Millersville finally took the lead 50-49 with just over 10 minutes remaining on the clock. A free throw by Wali Hepburn tied the game at 50 just seconds later, and stood as the first of eight ties and lead changes in the second half alone. The largest lead maintained at any point was a mere three points, with both teams battling both offensively and defensively, determined to come out on top. With just fourteen seconds remaining and Lock Haven on top by three, the Marauders once again put the ball into the hands of the game’s leading scorer Larry Grant, who drove into the paint and nailed a tough layup. Declining to attempt a game tying three pointer paid off, as the Bald Eagles’ Kasheef Festus was whistled for a foul on the Grant layup. Grant easily hit the free throw, one of his 31 points on the day, to tie the game at 73 and force an overtime.
Dave Garcia’s overtime opening three put the Bald Eagles up to begin the extra period before a Brandon Brown tip in followed by a Grant three gave Millersville the lead. Brown followed shortly after with another layup, a steal, and a third field goal in quick succession, showcasing his all around talent during his 19 point game. From there, it was all Millersville. The game ended with Lock Haven having got no closer than within six points for the entirety of overtime, sealing the deal for the Marauders and giving them their fourth consecutive win.
In addition to Grant and Brown’s big games, 6 foot 9 center Elijah Obade dropped 19, grabbed 21 boards and played fantastic defense to keep the Bald Eagles off the board and help the Marauders improve to 4-2 on the season. Their next game will be Sunday against the struggling Clarion.