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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Truman State Bulldogs rolled into the O’Reilly Family Event Center on Saturday afternoon and showed exactly why they are considered one of the top teams nationally among NCAA Division II programs. The 13th ranked Bulldogs were strong both inside and from long range and came away with a 74-53 Great Lakes Valley Conference win.
Truman State (8-1, 8-1 GLVC) placed four players in double-figure scoring and hit on 12 of 25 shots from three-point range, and held the Panthers (3-2, 3-2 GLVC) to just 33 percent shooting from the floor in coasting to the decision.
“Their spacing was quicker than our rotations,” said Drury head coach Steve Hesser. “If we got them guarded well at the basket, we didn’t get the perimeter guarded, and then they jumped up and were able to make (three’s).”
The Panthers and Bulldogs battled back-and-forth the opening ten minutes of the contest with a half dozen lead changes and three ties before Drury grabbed a brief 17-16 edge. However, the Bulldogs outscored the Panthers 27-8 in the final stretch of the half to lead 43-25 at intermission.
“Their energy level was good, and all five of their starters are averaging double figures, so you can’t cheat on them and expect to be successful,” added Hesser.
As well as the Bulldogs played offensively, also key was their defense, especially against the Panther’s leading scorer, senior Conley Garrison. Garrison, who entered the game ranked fourth nationally in scoring with a 25.8 points per game average, managed just three points, as he faced double-team pressure most of the game, managing just seven attempts from the field.
“They were running two bodies at him most of the day, and that’s when your other players need to step up, move the ball, and somebody else needs to make a basket,” said Hesser.
Cade McKnight, with 17 points, topped the scoring for the Bulldogs, with Masen Miller adding 16. The Panthers were paced in scoring by sophomore Jason Montgomery, who had 13 points and was the lone Drury player to reach double figures.
Truman State used their size and length to claim the battle of the boards as well, outrebounding Drury 41-32.
The Panthers will return to action on Tuesday, Jan. 12, when they travel to Missouri-St. Louis for a 3:30 pm afternoon contest against the host Tritons.
