The Panthers scored 112 points, the most in a game since 2019, in a 112-50 win against the UHSP Eutectics.
Fifth-year senior forward Jermaine Hamlin would score the opening bucket for the Panthers, and they would never relinquish the lead. A pair of defensive stops by Hamlin and senior guard Jordan “Tiger” Booker would follow. The Panthers would rattle off 17 straight points while holding the Eutectics scoreless.
During the first half, the Panthers would hold a lead as large as 32 at one point. The team shot 60% from the field and led 60-24. Hamlin would score eight points and go four of five.
“As a team, we stress getting the ball in the paint,” Hamlin said. “Having good paint presence is a big thing for us.”
Redshirt sophomore forward Kooper Jacobi snagged six rebounds and poured in 10 points himself, going four of seven from the field.
“It’s huge,” Jacobi said. “Getting second-chance points on offense, limiting them to one possession on defense. If you win the battle on the glass, it’ll give you a better chance at winning the game.”
The Panthers scored 18 second-chance points in this game.
The second half saw more of the same from the Panthers. They would hold the Eutectics to 22 points on 28% shooting. The Panthers also scored 29 points off turnovers.
Booker, in his second game back from injury, led the game in steals with six. Sophomore Lazar Grbovic led the game in rebounds with nine.
“We took a lot of good shots today,” Hamlin said. “We got open looks. Those open looks keep our percentages up. It’s about taking good shots and staying in the gym. Our practices are what’ll keep us going.”
The Panthers had six scorers in double digits including Booker (11), Hamlin (12) and Jacobi (14). Junior guard NaKyel Shelton (10), sophomore forward Sincere Malone (10) and freshman guard Isaiah Griffin (12) joined them.
“I’m always thankful,” Jacobi said about his shooting performance. “You have good and bad games. The key is staying positive and consistent, and playing hard every time.”
The Panthers’ next game is a home game against the IUPUI Jaguars on Thursday, December 7 at 7 p.m. in Groniger Arena.
Maurice Phipps can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].
