Box Score

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport's first round matchup of the WHAC tournament started off a little slow, but it quickly turned into a record breaking night.  A big second half and three new school records spurred DU onto a 103-65 victory over Siena Heights tonight.  The win puts the Panthers in the semifinals on Saturday against Indiana Tech at 3:00 p.m.

After Siena Heights took an early lead, the Panthers regained control and tied the score at 8 points apiece at the 15:18 mark.  Davenport would retain the lead for the rest of the half and took a 13 point lead into the break up 41-28.  James Nelson and Damacious White both reached double figures in the first half with 16 and 11, respectively. 

In the second half the Panthers surged ahead with a 30-4 run over the first six and a half minutes.  Twenty-four of those 30 points came off of 3-pointers.  DU hit 12 treys in the second half alone and 17 in the game, which set a new school record.  Lonnie Fairfax was a big reason for the run as he dissected the Saints defense.  He tallied 14 assists in the second half alone and 18 for the game, breaking his old record of 12. 

Four Panthers reached double digits offensively.  Nelson had 28 points, White 25, Gabe VanderJagt 15, and Brendan Cooper scored double figures for the first time in his career with 10 points.  DU took advantage of 12 Saints turnovers scoring 18 points off their miscues.  The Panthers outrebounded Siena Heights 44-27.  James Humphrey had 10 boards.

Post-Game Comments - Head Coach Burt Paddock

On heading into the WHAC tournament – “Everybody is 0-0.  We responded really well after Siena Heights went up early.  Our mindset was right going into the game and our guys were hungry after losing on Saturday.”

On the play of Lonnie Fairfax – “He such a good player and his name deserves to stay in the record books.  He makes our team go and tonight he was just fantastic getting everybody involved.”

On two upsets happening in the tournament tonight – “It doesn't matter who we play we have two games to go.  My guys will be mentally prepared to go.  We just need to execute.”

Post-Game Notes

The 29 assists by the team sets a new school record, breaking the old mark of 28 set against Grace Bible on February 11 of 2008...Davenport advances to the WHAC Semifinals for the third consecutive year...Damacious White tied a Student Center record with six made 3-pointers...Brendan Cooper set a new career high with 10 points breaking his previous mark of 4...DU hosts Indiana Tech in the WHAC Semifinals on Saturday at 3:00pm while the other semifinal pits Lourdes at Concordia

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