
Bearcats Fall to 2-4 Following Loss to Shawnee State
Back-to-back layups by the Shawnee offense would get the scoring started as they take a four-point lead early in the first half. Cory Gardner would start his career night with a three pointer on the Bearcats' next possession. The BU offense continued to shoot the ball well in their possessions as they rack up eight points in under a minute from a layup and back-to-back threes. John Saenz and Gardner combined for four three in the first three minutes, giving the Bearcats a six-point lead. The Bears came storming back following a timeout as they took advantage of missed shots by the Bearcats, taking a six-point lead. Shawnee State continued to out-rebound the Bearcats as they stretched the lead even further from BU. The Bears would take a 10-point lead as the Bearcat offense remained silent for over two minutes. Cory Gardner would pick up the scoring on a layup after a blocked shot. Taeron Hogg would continue to push the Bearcats closer to the lead as his layup would get the BU within eight. The Bears held on to that eight-point lead at the end of the first half.
The Bearcats struggled to win the rebound battle as Shawnee State continued to stride away from BU. With 13 minutes to go and a 15-point deficit, the Bearcats looked to close the gap in the second half. Cory Gardner would single-handedly score on the next five possessions for the Bearcats to get them back into contention. Gardner's 16-point second half couldn't keep the Bearcat in the game as the Bears' lead was too overwhelming with the amount of time left in regulation. Shawnee State would take the game, 83-71, as the Bearcats drop their fourth conference game.
Cory Gardner scored his career high in a Bearcat uniform with 26 points, 16 from the second half alone, seven rebounds, and five assists. John Saens and Taeron Hogg each added 11 points apiece for the Bearcats.
The Bearcats stay home for the weekend as they take on Point Park this Saturday with a tipoff time of 3pm CT.