Slippery Rock Men’s basketball has started off strong in 2022. They look to return to the PSAC playoffs with their sights set further than last year.
The Rock started their year off with a two-game set over the course of last weekend at the Butler County Chamber of Commerce Conference Challenge. They played Alderson Broaddus University and Notre Dame College of Ohio, coming out on top in both games.
“It was a good weekend; we learned a lot about ourselves,” Head coach Ian Grady said. “You’re always learning. I think that’s one of the beautiful things about basketball.”
There was some early-season rust. Coach Grady commented on the team needing to shake off the jitters. There were missed rebound opportunities and forced offensive turnovers. The team bounced back quickly.
“I’m happy with the results… Our players responded well,” Grady said.
After being down at half against Alderson Broaddus, The Rock forced 13 turnovers in the second half during their comeback. They went on to beat A-B 68-62. The confidence from a victory combined with everyone involved knowing there were improvements to be made snowballed into an 82-72 victory over Notre Dame where both senior forward Jonathan McFall and graduate student guard Amante Britt eclipsed 20 points. Coach Grady commended Britt and explained that his success is no coincidence.
“He puts in the work.” Grady said.
As for this week, SRU Men’s basketball has one game. They play Penn State Greater Allegheny in an out-of-conference matchup at Morrow Field House this Wednesday, November 16th.
SRU had not played Penn State Greater Allegheny until the 2015-16 season. In that game, The Rock came out on top 94-73. They have played them one more time since then, that being last season. It was a dominant showing. Slippery Rock’s offense exploded for 110 points. That game was on December 9, 2021, also at Morrow Field House.
The Rock offense was led, unsurprisingly, by then junior forward Jonathan McFall. McFall totaled 16 points over 19 minutes of playing time in a game where 11 SRU players scored at least five points, with 13 different players making at least one bucket. Coach Grady spoke about the depth of the roster and how it will continue to benefit them this year.
“I think we have a deep team. That’s one of the strong points of our team.” Grady said.
Following the game, SRU will have five days off until their next matchup against Daemen College, once again at Morrow Field House, on Tuesday November 22 at 4 PM.
