43
Keene’s 3-pointer lifts YSU men
Keene’s 3-pointer shoots down UMKC
as Penguins climb above .500
By Steve Wilaj
Youngstown
Marcus Keene had scored the last 11 Youngstown State points. He was also the only Penguin to score since the 5:03 mark.
So with the game tied at 63 and YSU with the ball with just 18 seconds remaining in Wednesday’s matchup against UMKC, everyone in Beeghly Center knew who was getting the last shot for the Penguins.
Didn’t matter.
Capping an incredible five-minute scoring stretch in which he recorded 14 straight points, Keene buried a 3-pointer with just four seconds remaining as YSU downed the Kangaroos, 66-63, for its third straight victory.
Martez Harrison got off one final 3-point attempt for UMKC as time expired, but it fell short into the hands of Keene. The sophomore guard, who finished with a game-high 21 points, then launched the ball into the air in celebration.
Keene, who finished 6 of 11 from the field — including 4 of 8 from beyond the arc — was assisted by senior Shawn Amiker’s 18 points and 11 rebounds. UMKC was led by Harrison’s 20 points.
The Kangaroos (2-4) used a 9-0 run to open the second half to take a two-point lead.
YSU (4-3) regained the lead and pushed it to seven points with 11:35 remaining. However, a Thad Smith layup and foul shot at the 8:43 mark tied it at 50.
A few minutes, with the game tied at 52, Keene took over.
The 5-foot-11 San Antonio native scored 14 straight points on three free throws, a floater and three 3s.
His second 3 gave gave YSU a 60-57 lead with 2:40 remaining. He then split a pair of free throws to push the lead to 61-59 with 1:45 remaining.
UMKC’s Harrison then tied it at 61 with a minute left, before Keene’s floater with 46 seconds regained the lead for YSU. Another Harrison layup tied the score one the last time with 18 seconds to set the stage for Keene’s final 3.
YSU controlled the pace the entire first half, jumping out to a 36-29 lead at the break.
Eight Penguins scored in the first 20 minutes, led by Amiker’s 13 points. The senior forward also grabbed six rebounds, pulling down a particularly mean offensive board at the 15:31 mark and putting it back for the score, and the foul.
Sophomore forward Jalon Plummer also sparked YSU from the outset, notching six early points while grabbing six boards. He finished with eight points.