Alyssa Cole
Staff Writer
The Leopards smashed the American Sports University Fighting Eagles Wednesday night with an astonishing finish of 101-67.
The team had spent the last six games away from Frantz Athletic Court, and came back with force, giving fans something to talk about.
“It feels great to be home with our friends, family, and fans,” head coach Richard Reed said. “It’s nice to get back to our familiar environment.”
The Leopards defeated the Fighting Eagles 90-73 in their first meeting on Dec. 2.
“We really shared the ball well tonight,” junior guard Ronn See said.
The Leopards kept steady momentum from the get go, opening up with a 10-6 lead that increased into 20 points by the close of the first half at 50-30.
Great ball movement and communication showcased improvement from their first match and although the Fighting Eagles never gave up the Leopards never slowed down offensively.
“We played aggressive and played the way we know we can,” senior guard Trevor Woodland said.
In the second half the Leopards pressed on and three-pointers were shot left, right and center, basket after basket, and the crowd cheered loud on their feet, impressed with the teamwork the Leopards possessed.
The Fighting Eagles kept the intensity but nothing shook the Leopards’ dynamic.
The team kept the Fighting Eagles under 30 points during most of the second half, adding to the lopsided score.
Junior guard Jeremy Lay was the leading scorer for the night totaling 18 points. Senior forward Austin Napolitano followed right behind at 17 and Woodland had 15.
“Basketball is a funny game,” Reed said. “When you make shots you play better, and we started making shots so everything got better…our defense got better and our communication got better.”
Despite incredible play by the men, their last four games of the preseason will prove difficult.
“Our goal is to execute our game no matter who were playing,” Reed said.
The conference season will start at 7 p.m. on Jan. 7 against Occidental at Frantz Athletic Court.
Alyssa Cole can be reached at alyssa.cole@laverne.edu.
