BRADFORD, PA – In their last game before the start of conference play, the Pitt-Bradford men’s basketball team improved to 5-1 as they took down Geneva in a night that saw Jeremey Rodriguez score a career-high in points.
Throughout the first 20 minutes of play, both teams came out strong offensively with efficient scoring on either rims. However, it was the Panthers’ defense that gave the 52-35 edge going into the break. Causing 14 Tornado turnovers while suffering just six of their own, Pitt-Bradford’s high-octane offense came alive, scoring 24 points off turnovers and 19 points off the fast break. Rodriguez was one of three Panthers to have multiple steals in the first half, coming away with three and 10 points, while Coby Farley had two and 12 points and Xander Norris had a pair and five points.
Coming out of the second, Pitt-Bradford kept their foot on the pedal. Continuing to pressure ball handlers with a relentless full-court press as well as pesky hands in the passing lanes, the Panthers diced up Geneva’s offense, coming away with 11 more turnovers through the final 20 minutes of play. On the other side of the ball, points came in bunches and by committee. In all, nine Panthers made their way into the scoring column, with five reaching double digits.
In the game immediately following being named the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Player of the Week, Rodriguez finished the night with a career-high 28 points on 47.6 percent shooting. He also tallied five steals and zero turnovers alongside three rebounds and two assists, while Tra Edwards followed closely behind with 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. Farley had 12 points in the win and Clarence Cobbins and Niare Poplar each scored 11.
Looking ahead, the Panthers now enjoy a nine-day break, one they will need before hitting the real meat of the schedule. Starting on Wednesday, Dec. 3, Pitt-Bradford begins their AMCC conference play, a portion of the schedule that consumes 16 of their remaining 19 games.
