GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport suffered a 62-65 setback to the Warriors of Wayne State in a battle for first place. Both teams were 3-1 in conference play heading into the game and now the Warriors are in sole possession of first place in the GLIAC South division going into the holiday break. The Panthers had more offensive possessions during the game, however they only shot 35.1% as a team on the night. Davenport only went 4/18 from deep on the night and freshmen Avery Hudson led DU in scoring with 14 points.
 
THE BASICS
Final Score: Davenport-62 | Wayne State University-65
Location: Grand Rapids, Mich.
Records: Davenport 9-4 (3-2) | Wayne State 6-4 (4-1)
 
POINTS PER HALF
First Half: DU-23 | WSU-29
Second Half: DU-39 | WSU-36
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Wayne State got the better of Davenport at the start of the game. The Warriors built up an eight-point lead just under six minutes into the game. The Panthers went on an 11-2 run over a three minute and 18 second period to regain the lead 14-13. Just a few minutes later Hudson hit a three to give DU a four-point lead with just over nine minutes to go in the half. Davenport led by four points during a couple times during the half and last had that large of a lead with 5:56 to go in the half. Wayne State went on a 11-1 run to end the half and held a six-point lead after 20 minutes of play.
 
Davenport played the whole second half from behind and never went on a large enough run to gain the lead. The Panthers cut the lead down to a one possession game numerous times, including coming within one point of Wayne State with 8:34 to play after two made free throws by Wes Webbert. Late in the game Robbie Bramhill cut the lead down to three after he hit a step back three on the left win with only 48 seconds left in the game. Wayne State went 4/4 from the free throw line in the last minute of play. The Panthers had an opportunity to tie the game late, but were unable to get a shot off in time. Davenport had the ball on the baseline with 0.5 seconds on the clock and a cross court pass to Braima Hai couldn't find its mark and the buzzer sounded.
 
The Panthers were led by Nick Malonga during the game, who had 12 points and a team high nine rebounds. Davenport outrebounded the Warriors 37-32 in the game, but the low shooting percentage by DU ended up being their downfall. Hudson led the team in scoring with 14 points and grabbed four rebounds.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers are done playing for the remainder of the 2017 year. Davenport will next be in action on the road in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. on January 4^th to play GLIAC opponent Lake Superior State. This game will be played at 7:30 p.m.

Story by: Devin Steiner
 
Picture credit: Tyler Triemstra