GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Davenport men's basketball (7-2) secured an 85-50 victory over Grace Christian on Monday night at the DU Student Center. Davenport's bench contributed significantly with 40 points, while the Tigers struggled to find their shooting touch in the first half only scoring 19 points. The Panthers held the Tigers to 22.2 percent from the field including 1-of-10 from the arc in the first 20 minutes and found themselves ahead 41-19.
Davenport stumbled a little out of the gate, but found their shooting rhythm going 6-of-10 from behind the arc. They also forced the issue inside and generated several whistles. DU went to the line 16 times and converted 11 times.
Ken Walker was particularly aggressive as he finished the game going 11-of-12 and totaled 20 points to lead the Panthers in scoring for the eighth time in nine games this season. Walker also tied for the team lead with four assists and had two steals in 24-plus minutes. The Panthers left little doubt in this one as they led for 37:09 compared to just 23 seconds for Grace Christian.
The Panthers set a season high with 54 rebounds, including 12 on the offensive end.
Alden Ritt claimed his seventh straight double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Walker tied his career high with 11 made free throws.
Bernie Varnesdeel and
Myron Brewer both scored their first points as a Panther with Varnesdeel finishing with seven points and 1-of-1 from the arc.
Dylan Smith notched his third career double-double and first of the season with 12 points and a career-high 13 rebounds.
Zavion McClendon tied his season high with 14 points and connected on four triples in 19-plus minutes off the bench. The Panthers also connected on 10 three's giving them four games this season with at least 10 triples.
The Panthers will have a few days off before a big test against Findlay (8-2) on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 1:00 PM. The Oilers are receiving votes in the latest NCAA Division II coaches poll.
Davenport Top Performers
Ken Walker
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- 20 points
- 11/12 free throws made
- 4 assists
Zavion McClendon
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- 14 points
- 4/6 three-pointers made
- 3 assists
Alden Ritt
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- 13 points
- 13 rebounds
- 2 assists
Dylan Smith
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- 12 points
- 13 rebounds
- 4 assists
