YORK - The York College Panthers fell 74-71 to the visiting Spires from the University of Saint Mary on Monday night. The Spires brought an intensity that the Panthers struggled to match and as they escaped the Freeman Center with the win.
The Spires jumped out in front 5-0 and York was never able to gain the lead. York battled back from an 11-point deficit twice, but could only tie the game. It wasn't until 14:01 mark of the second half before the Panthers finally tied the game at 47 after Michael Tolbert (JR/Apopka, Fla) hit a three from the corner. The shot forced a USM timeout and looked to give the Panthers the momentum. However, the Spires responded with an 11-0 run to make it 58-47 with just over 11 minutes left to play.
The Panthers battled back over the next 10 minutes of play to tie the game for the second time at 71 with 43 seconds remaining. The Spires set up a play and took back the lead with 19 seconds remaining. With 15 seconds left the Panthers looked for the equalizer before Tolbert dribbled the ball off his leg with eight seconds left. A quick foul with four seconds left saw the Spires miss their second free throw and give the Panthers another chance with the rebound. Lance Ewell (JR/Brock, Texas) came down with it but turned the ball over immediately after to seal the Panthers fate.
York played tough defense all night but it was the Spires night as they hit contested shots throughout the duration of the game. Any time the Panthers looked to take control USM would hit a big shot to silence the crowd.
Four players scored in double figures for the Panthers, led by Eric Lenear (SO/Bellevue, Neb), with a career high 18 points. Patrick Burnett (SR/Erie, Pa) scored 14 points to go along with 10 rebounds. Lance Ewell and Aaron Munday-Rashid (JR/Melbourne, Australia) each added 13 points.
York shot 41% from the field and created more scoring opportunities, but the Spires connected on 50% from floor, including 41% from beyond the arc.
York falls to 5-5 overall and 3-2 in the KCAC. The Panthers travel to McPherson College on Wednesday for a 8:00 p.m. tip-off.
