The Bellarmine University men’s basketball team kicked off their 2023-24 campaign with a commanding 75-44 victory over Division III Transylvania in their exhibition game. It was a great opportunity for the team to fine-tune their skills before the official start of the season.
Coach Scott Davenport was thrilled with the performance of his players, as fifteen of them got a chance to showcase their abilities on the court. The team displayed excellent teamwork, with multiple players contributing in different aspects of the game. Thirteen Knights scored, everyone grabbed a rebound except for one player, eleven distributed an assist, and eight collected a steal.
Despite a few hiccups, such as 15 turnovers and some missed free throws, the Knights’ offense was highly efficient. They shot an impressive 55.1% from the field, maintaining a similar shooting range in both halves. On the defensive end, they limited the Pioneers to a mere 27% shooting percentage.
Coach Davenport acknowledged that rebounding was an area that needed improvement. However, he was confident that the team would learn from this experience and make the necessary adjustments.
The Knights dominated the game from start to finish, leading 35-19 at halftime and outscoring Transylvania 40-25 in the second half. One standout player was sophomore guard Billy Smith, who made an immediate impact in his first game with the Knights. He led the team in scoring with 13 points, shooting an impressive 5-for-6 from the field.
Senior guards Bash Wieland and Garrett Tipton also had a strong showing, each contributing 10 points. Senior guard Alec Pfriem and junior forward Langdon Hatton tied for the team-high in rebounds with seven each. Pfriem and Wieland also showcased their playmaking abilities, each recording three assists.
The Knights will kick off their official season on November 6th with a game against Washington. Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the season and are excited to see what the team will accomplish.
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