Prince George’s Men’s Basketball Topped By Cecil College In Home Opener

Prince George's men's basketball hosted Cecil College for their home opener of the 2019-2020 season on Saturday night, November 23^rd. The Owls would eventually lose to the Seahawks by a final score of 84-77. The Owls fell to 5-2 including 1-1 in Maryland JUCO play while the Seahawks reach .500 on the season with a 5-5 overall record including 1-0 Maryland JUCO.

Playing at Novak Field House for the first time this season, the Owls were fresh off a resilient comeback win against conference opponent Frederick just three days prior. However, the Owls entered the game knowing they would have their hands full when it came to defending the reigning National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Men's Basketball Player of the Week in Cecil's Jacob Falko. The contest was fast paced from the opening tipoff with both squads moving up and down the court with intensity and forcing shooters into difficult shots. Despite trading baskets back and forth, the Seahawks were able to hold a slight lead over the Owls for the majority of the half until freshman Isaiah Miles knotted up the score at 30 with 5 minutes remaining. Prince George's led by 4 points twice in the final minutes of the half before Cecil went on a 5-0 run to close out the half and head into the break with a slim 39-38 lead.

Sophomore guard Tunde Scrivner led the scoring for the Owls at the end of the half with 16 points, 8 of which came from the free throw line. Scrivner was followed by Miles who added 9 points to go along with 5 rebounds. Despite the Owls defensive efforts, Falko led all scorers with 17 at halftime.

The Seahawks opened up the second half with a 6-0 run to lead 45-38 before Owls sophomore Jacob Long drew the foul while attempting a three. Long would then connect on all three free throw attempts. Moments later the Owls would go on their own 6-0 run to trail the Seahawks by only 2 at 49-47. Both teams continued to trade baskets back and forth with the second half winding down when Prince George's went on a 10-0 run that lasted over two minutes of play to put the Owls up 74-69 for their largest lead of the game with 4:43 remaining. The Owls then saw their lead quickly slip away as the Seahawks hit three consecutive shots from beyond the arc. Prince George's was only able to manage 3 points over the final closing minutes as the Owls were defeated by Cecil College 84-77. Scrivner finished with 24 points and 9 rebounds in the loss with freshman Devyn Toler adding 14 points and 3 boards. 

The Owls will look to bounce back from the tough loss on Tuesday, November 26^th when they travel to face College of Southern Maryland. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 pm.