Box Score Box Score
Sophomore guard Stedman Lowry didn't make a field goal Friday night. He more than made up for that Saturday night.
Lowry caught fire in the first half, making five 3-pointers in the game's first six minutes, on his way to a career-high 27 points, as the Hillsdale College men's basketball team improved to 3-0 on the season with a 95-79 road win over St. Joseph's College Saturday night in Rensselaer, Indiana.
Lowry made his first six shots from the field – five from behind the 3-point line – all in the game's first six minutes as the Chargers exploded out of the gate, taking a 21-6 lead on the host Pumas before the fans even got settled in their seats. That 15-point lead ended up being enough, as other Chargers got in on the fun throughout the game.
Senior forward Kyle Cooper stepped in after Lowry exited the game and caught fire himself. He poured in 22 of his game-high 30 points in the first half, recording his fourth-career 30-point ballgame. He was 13-fro-24 from the field, hit two 3-pointers, while collecting 11 rebounds with 3 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals and no turnovers in 37 minutes.
Many of Cooper's field goals were jump shots from in and around the paint, which meant the Chargers were doing an excellent job of freeing him up on screens in their half-court sets. Guards Nate Neveau and Zach Miller combined for 11 assists, showing how effective Hillsdale was on the offensive end.
The Chargers shot 56 percent from the field in the game, while holding the Pumas to 46 percent shooting. Hillsdale also won the rebounding battle 40-31 and committed just 10 turnovers.
Senior center Jason Pretzer added some important points with the defense busy chasing Cooper and Lowry around. He had 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Neveau swished a pair of 3-pointers, finishing with 12 points to go along with his 6 assists, a new career-high.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: In its first 3 games, the Chargers have made 8, 9, and now 10 3-point baskets as a team…Hillsdale set team season-highs for rebounds, free throw percentage and field goal percentage…Cooper has 965 career points, now needing 35 to become the 36th member of Hillsdale's 1,000-point club…Lowry's 7 made 3-pointers are the most by a Charger in one game since Anthony Manno made 7 against Lake Superior State on Dec. 7, 2013.
UP NEXT: Hillsdale opens GLIAC play at home Thursday night against Tiffin University at 8 p.m.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jim Drews
