Missed free throws hurt Penguins in NYC finale

Cathcart scored 27 to lead Penguins in final game in NYC

Staff report

Bronx, N.Y

Junior Donel Cathcart III scored 27 points and freshman Darius Quisenberry had 21 points but the Youngstown State men’s basketball team dropped a 102-93 decision to Florida International on Sunday in the Johnny Bach Classic at Rose Hill Gym.

The Penguins (2-4) made the same number of field-goal attempts (35), had two more made 3-pointers (9-7) and out-rebounded the Panthers (45-31).

But FIU (5-1) went 25-of-34 from the free-throw line while the Penguins were just 14-of-23 from the charity stripe.

Leading FIU was Brian Beard, Jr., with a game-high 36 points, Devon Andrews with 18 points and Osaumwen Osaghae with 14. Sixteen of Beard, Jr.’s point came from the free-throw line.

The game featured 14 lead changes and six ties. The Penguins trailed by six, 34-28, with 6:12 left before halftime.

Sparked by Cathcart and freshman Atiba Taylor, the Penguins outscored the Panthers, 20-10, to close out the half and took a 48-44 lead into the lockerroom at halftime.

During the run, Cathcart poured in 12 points, including three 3-pointers and a three-point play, and Taylor added four and gave the Penguins the lead, 42-41, with a driving layup at the 2:01 mark.

The teams exchanged the lead seven times in the second half and YSU led 66-64 after Cathcart’s fourth 3-pointer at the 12:29 mark.

Beard, Jr., scored the next six points and gave the Panthers a lead they didn’t relinquish. After FIU extended the lead to nine, the Penguins cut the deficit down to four, 93-89, with 2:48 left but did get any closer.