TAMPA, Fla. — Davenport men's basketball (4-2) defeated the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez 92-54 on Saturday at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center in the consolation game of the University of Tampa Thanksgiving Tournament. Davenport's defense was instrumental, forcing 15 turnovers and collecting 13 steals in the neutral-site matchup.
Davenport yielded the first points of the game, but then scored eight straight points capped off by a
Curtis Jackson three-pointer at 15:59. The Panthers effectively controlled the boards, outrebounding the Tarzans 25-15 in the first half, which contributed to maintaining their momentum.
Zavion McClendon hit a pair of free throws at 8:41 and the lead grew to 26-8. The Tarzans did not hit double digits until 6:51 left in the half (28-11). The lead increased to 44-20 at halftime.
Alden Ritt was a significant force, with a near double-double in the first half with nine points and eight rebounds. He contributed final totals of 18 points and 14 rebounds, marking his fourth double-double of the year. This game saw Ritt achieve career-highs in scoring with 18 points and four steals. Jackson sank two free throws late in the half and also set a personal season-high with eight assists (six in the second half), showcasing his play-making abilities.
The second half was a chance to implement new things and rest some legs after a double-overtime game on Friday. The Panthers moved the lead to 59-29 at 15:26 on an
Imran Deen basket. Dean had a season high with 14 points and also grabbed six rebounds. The lead ballooned to 71-31 at the 11:30 mark as
Keane Hinkle converted a three-pointer with an assist from Ritt. The final score ended up 92-54 in the first meeting between the schools.
Davenport shot 50 percent (32-64) for the game and were 18-of-21 at the charity stripe. DU had 40 points in the paint and got 24 points off the bench.
Zavion McClendon had 11 points and a season-high seven rebounds in 15-plus minutes. Jackson finished with 10 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals in 23-plus minutes.
Bernie Varnesdeel saw 10:25 on the court and had two assists and a steal. The Panthers will return home next week and open GLIAC play on Thursday, Dec. 4 against Saginaw Valley State at 7:30 PM.
Davenport Top Performers
Ken Walker
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- 19 points
- 7/14 field goals made
- 2 three-pointers made
Alden Ritt
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- 18 points
- 14 rebounds
- 4 steals
- 3 assists
Imran Deen
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- 14 points
- 6 rebounds
- 2 steals
Curtis Jackson
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- 10 points
- 8 assists
- 6 rebounds
Zavion McClendon
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- 11 points
- 6/6 free throws made
- 7 rebounds
