Gallaudet Defeats Penn State-York 95-83 to Advance to Gallaudet Holiday Tournament Championship Game

A strong first half paved the way as Gallaudet won their third straight game to open the season 95-83 in the Gallaudet Holiday Tournament. With the win, Gallaudet advances to the Championship game tomorrow night at 6 pm, vs. Maryland Bible College.

Sekoe White got the Bison off to a fast start with two fast break lay-ups and Tony Tatum and Jon Mowl each made a three pointer as Gallaudet jumped to an 11-4 lead. Everything went right early in the game for Gallaudet, as 4 separate three pointers bounced off the rim and into the basket and every loose ball seemed to roll to a Gallaudet player.

White score 15 of his team high 21 points in the first half to help Gallaudet to a 54-38 halftime lead.

The second half was a different story as Penn State-York didn't let up, pressuring the Bison and scoring 45 second half points on a variety of shots, led by Eric Hudak with 27. It seemed in the second half the Bison shots that were falling in the earlier part of the game, were now rolling out. Penn State-York closed the gap to 62-50 and 62-53, before Mowl hit a 3 to give Gallaudet a 67-53 lead.  All of Mowl's 21 points were big as they shut down Penn State-York rallies.  Late in the game, with the score 85-73, Mowl hit another 3, then scored on a fast break lay-up to make the score 91-75.

For the game, Gallaudet's 4 leading scorers, Mowl, White, Tatum with 17, and Johnny Jackson, Jr. with 14, all shot at least 50% from the field.  As a team, Gallaudet shot 53.5%.

After the game, Head Coach Jeb Barber was happy with the team's performance but also focused on the team's next game. "We did a nice job passing the ball and took smart shots today.  I also like how we stopped the runs by Penn State-York.  They are a very tough team with a lot of heart, and they made us earn the win today."

Gallaudet will play Maryland Bible College at 6 pm in the Field House Sunday night for the Gallaudet Holiday Tournament Championship.