November 5, 2021
Men's Basketball dominates in season opener, Gibson earns first win as Defiance head coach
The Defiance men's basketball team dominated in their season opener against Maranatha-Baptist on Friday evening, 78-50.
The Defiance men's basketball team dominated in their season opener against Maranatha-Baptist on Friday evening, 78-50.
The Basics
- Records: Defiance (1-0), Maranatha-Baptist (0-1)
- Location: Karl H. Weaner Center – Defiance, Ohio
- Attendance: 300
Notables
- Defiance men's basketball head coach Josh Gibson earned his first win as head coach for the Yellow Jackets.
- The Friday contest was Game 1 of the 46th annual Purple and Gold Tournament.
Inside The Numbers
- Senior Marell Jordan led Defiance with a team-high 20 points, grabbed six rebound, and snatched four steals. He shot 8-of-16 from the field.
- Sophomore Dejsani Beamon added 15 points going 7-of-14 from the floor and dished out three assists.
- Freshman Landen Swanner recorded ten points in his debut.
- Freshman Clay McCorkle chipped in 11 points off the bench for the Yellow Jackets.
- As a team, Defiance shot 29-of-73 (.397) from the field and 11-of-29 (.379) from the three-point line.
- Leading Maranatha-Baptist was Caleb Moultrie with 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the floor. He also grabbed five rebounds.
- Mike Mertes added nine points off the bench for the Sabercats.
- As a team, Maranatha-Baptist shot 18-of-52 (.346) from the field and 6-of-18 (.333) from behind the arc.
The Difference
- Defiance started the game on a fast 10-4 run to take command in the beginning of the contest.
- The Yellow Jackets continued their strong performance throughout the first half and took a commanding 40-19 halftime lead.
- Defiance used their momentum from the first half and didn't look back taking the game, 78-50.
- The Yellow Jackets shared the wealth on the night with a 11-5 advantage in assists.
- Defiance also strong defense during the entire game causing 26 turnovers while winning the turnover battle, 26-10.
- The Yellow Jackets converted on those turnovers with a 27-11 advantage.
- Defiance struck quick with a big edge in fast break points, 26-2.
- The Yellow Jackets finished the game with 38 total rebounds and 32 points in the paint.
Up Next
- The Yellow Jackets look to home court once again when they take on Miami-Hamilton on Sunday, November 7 for the final day of the 46th Annual Purple and Gold Tournament. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.