The Golden Rams men’s basketball team is well aware that every game at this point of the season is of the utmost importance. Taking care of business by beating inferior opponents is an absolute necessity. They were successful in doing just that last Wednesday at Hollinger Fieldhouse, crushing last place Bloomsburg, 82-64, in a PSAC East contest.
WCU took an 11-0 lead early in the game and never looked back. It’s a win the team needed after losing two straight home games.
“Your offense looks good when you’re shooting well and tonight we did that,” said WCU head coach Dick DeLaney. “The last few games we weren’t [shooting well] but everything seemed to work tonight.”
Three different players scored in double figures for the Golden Rams. Starting forward Donnell Butler, team leader in points this season, finished with 23 points, 15 of which came in the first half. Guard Mark Gerhart, who drained five three-pointers, had a game-high 24 points and co-captain Azim Jones finished with 13 points.
After losing to East Stroudsburg the previous game, the Golden Rams knew they needed to play a better team game. WCU won the rebound battle – which they had previously struggled with – and dominated the bench scoring department, 14-0.
“We had a good bench today. They really gave us a pick up,” said DeLaney. “We got the lead early tonight and were able to get everyone involved in the flow of the game.”
DeLaney attributes the team’s strong play to a competitive week of practice.
“Tonight our offense looked real good and it helps that our practices have been intense,” said Delaney.
In the first half, the Golden Rams played with an added something that might have been missing in recent games. The team shot 61.8 percent from the field, forced nine turnovers and three blocked shots. As a result, the Golden Rams had a 51-24 lead at halftime.
“The word of the month is intensity,” said Butler. “Coach is always talking to us about intensity and bringing high levels of intensity every night. If we do that we’ll be fine.”
The Golden Rams revived bench-scoring threats of Chad Becker, Lenwood Greenwood and Shawn Werdt, who all made their presence felt. The threesome combined for 11 points for the Golden Rams.
DeLaney has also been giving more playing time to Nathan Wingerd, who has been sidelined the last two seasons due to knee injuries. Wingerd’s willingness to overcome such hardships has impressed the team and leaves a long-lasting impression that goes beyond playing in a game.
“If you keep working hard in practice, you can play. Nathan has showed that,” said DeLaney. “It sends a very positive message to the team. He’s worked very hard to get back into game shape.”
Junior forward Matt Jefferson led Bloomsburg (4-16, 0-5) with 21 points.
Starting on Wednesday, the Golden Rams will play six straight games against PSAC East opponents. For the team, the realization has set in that these final few weeks of the season are crucial.
“I think we have to view the rest of the games like the playoffs, with that same intensity,” said DeLaney.
WCU came out on the short end of a 65-56 finish versus Pitt-Johnstown in non-conference play on Saturday. Gerhart and Aaron Williams each scored 13 points to pace the Golden Rams (12-9, 4-2). WCU will host Millerville on Monday and then Cheyney on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m in Hollinger Fieldhouse.