The Point Park men’s basketball team has been fighting to have the home game in the Kentucky vIntercollegiate Athletic Conference b(KIAC) Tournament, and this past week, they were able to achieve that.
The Pioneers started off their week on Wednesday night against Carlow University. The team needed to defeat the Celtics in order to have home court advantage.
Point Park began with a lead andmade sure to keep it that way. By halftime, the score was 46-28.
The Pioneers hit a rut for about four minutes in the second half, but the defense did not let the Celtics score any more than four points in that time.
Senior Alan Heter had a big night, helping the Pioneers get to the 71-47 lead with less than five minutes remaining in the game.
Heter had a game high of 23 points. Jerah’me Williams had 14 points and nine assists, nearing a double double. Barry Smith added 12 points and six rebounds.
Carlow, which is in its first year of men’s basketball, did not stand a chance against the Pioneers. Point Park converted 18 Carlow turnovers and also had a season high 15 steals.
The Pioneers reigned over Carlow with a 83-61 win.
“It feels good to be home,” Williams said. “Having a home game means a lot, but that is not the ultimate goal. We will see what we are made of in the tournament.”
The Pioneers then went to play Indiana University (IU East) on Saturday, which was Senior Day.
Point Park seniors Corey Henning, Barry Smith and Alan Heter were all recognized before the game for their athletic careers.
“It is much different then any other program I have been a part of,” Heter said. “But I enjoyed my time here. Absolutely loved my squad and the times we had together on and off the court.”
The Pioneers started off strong with a lead of 57-46 with less than 12 minutes to go in the game.
But IU East was not going down without a fight and stormed back. Within eight minutes, the Red Wolves were on top 78-62 with less than three minutes left.
IU East had a lot to fight for; with the win, the Red Wolves could get the KIAC regular-season championship and an automatic bid to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division II national tournament.
Yandell Denis scored 21 points for the Pioneers and had nine rebounds with three assists. Junior T.J. Lanier had 16 points, Smith had 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, Williams also contributed 11 points and five assists.
Even with the loss, the Pioneers secured second place in the KIAC North Division, right behind conference leader IU East. “It’s always great to have a home ame in the playoff,” said Art Christian. “It’s home court. Best of all, the fans are all on your side. The team expectations for the tournament are to go in and win and have fun. That’s all it is about. It’s nothing better than winning and having fun.”
The Pioneers will have their tournament game on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at CCAC South.
