PRESIDENTS' ATHLETIC CONFERENCE Westminster is ambushed by Grove City

The Titans were dealt their first loss in the PAC after seven wins, 100-95.
By BILL ALBRIGHT
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
GROVE CITY, Pa. -- After wading through the first seven Presidents' Athletic Conference games unbeaten, the Westminster College men's basketball team fell for the first time in league play, 100-95, to Grove City on Wednesday.
In the first meeting, won by Westminster, Grove City coach Steve Lamie hoped his club could slow down the high-powered Titans' offense. Unable to do so, Lamie still wasn't sure that his club could do it in this game.
"I think the key was that we didn't turn the ball over nearly as many times," Lamie said. "We had 23 turnovers in the first game and I think we did a little better in that area tonight."
It is no secret the Titans thrive on shooting 3s. They have done it with success over the last 11 games.
From long range
During the first half, Westminster (11-11, 6-1) made 14 long-range shots and they began the second half with four 3s in the first four minutes.
That is when the long-range drought caught up with them as they went almost 15 minutes without hitting a 3. Adding to that was success at the free throw line for Grove City.
"I thought down the stretch was the only time they got a little cold," said Lamie. "When that happened, they fouled us and we were able to convert our free throws at the other end."
Westminster coach Larry Ondako felt the Wolverines played a solid game.
"They took all the shots off the break and they made them and they also made some tough shots," Ondako said. "When teams do that against your press, there is not a whole heckuva lot you can do."
As for the scoring drought, Ondako felt it hurt his club.
"You can't have your three best shooters go 6-for-40 and expect to win," he said. "I told the guys that we are not looking to beat people by 20 or 30 points. We are looking for a chance to win and we got to the end of the game with a chance to win."
Not known necessarily for his high-scoring efforts, Wolverine Matt Phillips lit things up with a career-high 31 points to lead all scorers.
"I have been more offensive minded the past three or four games," admitted Phillips. "I hit my first shot tonight and when you do that, it always helps. I looked for the shot, and tonight the team was there to get the ball to me and the shots went in.
"They were trying to trap us and when we swung the ball, things opened up," he said. "I just happened to be there for the open shot and was able to knock them down."
Prosser sparkles
Joining Phillips in double figures for the Wolverines (10-12, 4-3) were Ryan Eller with 20 points and Tanner Prosser with 18. Prosser completed a double-double by hauling down 19 rebounds.
For Westminster, Pat O'Connor led the way with 26 points. Also in doubles were Ed Pagley (New Castle) with 18, Dom Joseph (New Castle) with 14 and South Range product Chris Hatch with 13.