WATERTOWN, Wis. – The Beloit College Men's basketball team earned their first win of the season this evening with an emphatic 86-50 victory over Maranatha Baptist. The Buccaneers showcased a potent offense and strong all-around play, securing their first win of the season and improving their record to 1-3.
Beloit established their dominance early, taking a commanding 38-25 lead by halftime and extending it significantly in the second half, ultimately winning by 36 points. Their offensive efficiency was a key factor, with Beloit shooting 45.3% from the field and an impressive 38.5% from beyond the arc for the game.
Beloit's control over the game was evident from the tip-off. They held the biggest lead of 40 points in the second half (3:12 mark), a testament to their sustained pressure and scoring ability.
The Buccaneers capitalized on turnovers, converting 25 points off MBU errors, compared to Maranatha's 13 points off Beloit's turnovers. This aggressive defensive play leading to offensive opportunities was a significant factor in the widening score gap. Beloit also dominated in the paint, scoring 44 points, more than double Maranatha Baptist's 24 paint points. Their 22 second-chance points further illustrated their tenacity on the boards, especially on offense.
Even the bench contributed substantially, with Beloit's reserves tallying 40 points, showcasing the depth of their squad. This contrasted sharply with Maranatha Baptist's 8 bench points, indicating a significant advantage in player rotation.
In the first half, Beloit's offense was particularly sharp, shooting 46.9% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range. Semaj Roy's (Chicago, Ill.) immediate impact was notable, earning two quick fouls on Maranatha Baptist's side and contributing to an early 0-6 lead for Beloit. Anthony Carter's (Greenfield, Wis.) early three-pointer at the 18:32 mark extended Beloit's lead to five, while Roy's free throws consistently kept Beloit ahead..
Beloit maintained its momentum into the second half, despite Maranatha Baptist's attempts to narrow the gap. While Maranatha had a brief scoring burst to make it 28-42 at 15:47, Beloit quickly responded.
Roy was a force to be reckoned with, leading the Buccaneers in scoring with 18 points. His offensive prowess was evident as he hit 8 of 17 field goals. Roy also pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. His ability to grab offensive rebounds and convert second-chance points was a crucial momentum builder for Beloit. Carter provided a significant offensive spark, contributing 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Carter's ability to hit from long range (2-of-4 from three) opened up the floor for the Buccaneers and kept Maranatha Baptist's defense stretched. Lathan Lewis (Rockford, Ill.) added 7 points, converting critical opportunities and demonstrating efficiency with 2-of-4 from the field and a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. His steady play was vital in maintaining Beloit's lead. Owen Geiger (Fort Atkinson, Wis.)) was incredibly efficient, scoring 7 points on a perfect 3-of-3 from the field, including a crucial three-pointer. His 5 rebounds and 2 assists further highlighted his impactful all-around game. Austin Walker (Princeville, Ill.) chipped in with 6 points on 3-of-5 shooting, along with 2 assists, showing his capability to contribute offensively and facilitate play.
The Buccaneers are back in action on Thursday, November 20th when they host Eureka for their first home game of the season. Tip off from Flood Arena is set for 7 pm.
