#14 Purple Raiders Dominates in 2nd Half to Claim 70-56 Victory over Baldwin Wallace
The Mount Union Purple Raiders men’s basketball were victorious in the first of two matchups against Ohio Athletic Conference foe Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets 70-56. After a smooth 75-65 win over Saint John’s, Mount Union was going into the matchup 10-1, while Baldwin Wallace went into the game 4-7 following a 87-64 loss to Transylvania at the Don Lane Tournament Championship game.
1st Half:
In a back and forth punch-out match, the first 20 minutes of play concluded with a Purple Raider 31-30 lead over the Yellow Jackets. Center Christian Parker led the half with 14 points and 8 rebounds for the Purple Raiders, while Guard Corey Hudson followed with 7 points. For the Yellow Jackets, Forward Ray Ellington led the half with 9 points and 7 rebounds, while Center A.J. Pestello added 6 points and 4 rebounds.
Purple Raider’s 2nd Half Dominance:
Kicking off the final half, the Purple Raiders showed why they’re the #14 nationally ranked team in Division III, beginning their dominance with a 13-2 run to take a 44-32 lead. The Purple Raiders continued to extend their lead over the final 16 minutes of the game to clinch a 70-56 victory over the Yellow Jackets. Center Christian Parker led the night with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks, while Guard Corey Hudson followed with 14 points. For the Yellow Jackets, Guard Ray Ellington finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Center A.J. Pestello followed with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks.