GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport survived the fast paced style of play that the Mustangs provide and advance to the WHAC Semifinals. The Panthers defeated Marygrove College 99-84 tonight and will take on Aquinas College on Saturday in the WHAC Semifinals. Nick Gamble's individual efforts provided a program career record and a game high personal best.

THE BASICS
Final Score: #8 Davenport-99 | Marygrove-84
Location: Grand Rapids, Mich.
Records: Davenport 24-7 | Marygrove 11-20
 
POINTS PER HALF
First Half: DU-51 | Marygrove-41
Second Half: DU-48 | Marygrove-43
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Panthers jumped out to a quick seven point lead 90 seconds into the first half. After a Marygrove timeout the Mustangs showed the quickness and effectiveness they obtained on the offensive side of the ball. The Mustangs poured in 12 straight points after the timeout to take a 12-7 lead. Back to back three point shots by Kevin Rich helped DU regain the lead shortly after. The teams traded buckets for the majority of the half, while both teams were on target from behind the arc. The Panthers and Mustangs each hit seven threes during the half. With 6:25 remaining in the half Davenport led by one point, 38-37. For the rest of the half seniors Gamble and Rich took over for DU. They combined for eight points, two rebounds and one assist to help DU take a ten-point lead heading into half. Three Panthers were in double digits after 20 minutes of play, Wes Webbert (12), Gamble (13) and Rich (15).
 
The Mustangs started off the second half similar to the first, scoring eight points in 98 seconds to cut the lead to four points. The duo of Rich and Gamble refused to let the Mustangs make a legitimate comeback as they each hit a three pointer during the fourth and fifth minute of play to bring the lead up to 13 points. The lead was increased to 18 points after a three point make by Cameron Burns and a lay-up by Khadim Dieng with 12:24 left in the game. Davenport held a double digit lead for the remainder of the game. Dieng (10), Gamble (11) and Rich (9) led DU in scoring during the second half.
 
Four DU players scored in double digits, including Rich and Gamble each scoring 24 points. Dieng went 6/10 from the floor for his 12 points, while Webbert went 4/7 from the field to score 12 points as well. Rich scored 24 points, shot 4/8 from three and grabbed four rebounds. Haines had a very efficient game as he scored nine points, shot 4/8 from the field, grabbed a team high nine rebounds and dished out four assists.
 
Gamble had himself a night to remember. He scored a career high 24 points, shot an incredible 8/9 from the field and dished out a game high seven assists. Gamble also set the school record for most assists in a career tonight, surpassing Lonnie Fairfax's record of 476 assists. He currently has 482 assists and counting.
 
UP NEXT
Davenport will host Aquinas College for the WHAC Semifinals on Saturday in the DU Student Center. The start time for the match will be 3:00 p.m. The women's basketball team will play their WHAC Semifinals game on Saturday as well with a 1:00 p.m. start time.

Photo by: Tyler Triemstra

Story by: Devin Steiner