GRINNELL, Iowa – Despite a commanding double-double from Semaj Roy (Chicago, Ill.) and an efficient offensive shooting night, the Beloit College men's basketball team dropped their Midwest Conference opener on Tuesday evening, falling 104-88 to Grinnell College at Darby Gym.
The Buccaneers (3-4, 0-1 MWC) went toe-to-toe with Grinnell's high-octane offense for much of the first half, shooting 45.5% from the field and dominating the interior, but were ultimately undone by turnovers and Grinnell's transition attack.
Roy was the engine for the Buccaneers, posting a massive stat line of 21 points and a game-high 15 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season. Roy was a force in the paint, shooting 8-of-15 from the floor and dishing out four assists.
Anthony Carter (Greenfield, Wis.) orchestrated the offense, finishing with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including a sharp 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Carter also led the team with seven assists.
Defensively, the Bucs showed significant rim protection. Thomas Glenn (Waukesha, Wis.) contributed 10 points and three rebounds while tallying three blocks. Dae'Quan Davis (Chicago, Ill.) added 14 points and six boards.
The Buccaneers started the contest with tremendous energy, executing their half-court offense to perfection. The Bucs jumped out to an early lead, pushing their advantage to 10 points at the 12:35 mark of the first half.
However, the momentum began to shift late in the first period. The Pioneers' aggressive substitution patterns and full-court pressure began to force miscues. While the Bucs shot an impressive 50% from three-point range (7-of-14) for the game, ball security proved to be the difference-maker. Beloit committed 25 turnovers, which Grinnell converted into 24 points.
The Pioneers took a slim 51-46 lead into halftime and widened the gap in the second half by capitalizing on the fast break. Grinnell outscored Beloit 38-10 in fast-break points, using that speed to build a lead that reached as high as 22 points.
Despite the deficit, Beloit continued to battle in the paint, outscoring Grinnell 50-44 inside. The Bucs also controlled the glass, grabbing 47 rebounds to Grinnell's 44.
The Buccaneers break for the holiday and return to Flood Arena to host Ripon on December 2nd. Tip off is set for 5:30 pm.
