Walker posts double-double for Panthers with career highs

            GORHAM, Maine – Seniors Kyle Walker and Brian Chergey and sophomore Petey Skevas all scored at least 20 points Tuesday evening, combining for 65 points to lead the Plymouth State University Panthers to a thrilling double-overtime victory over the University of Southern Maine Huskies, 100-93, in a Little East Conference men's basketball game at Hill Gymnasium.

            Skevas led the way for PSU with 23 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Walker recorded his first career double-double with career highs of 22 points and 13 rebounds.  Chergey added 20 points as Plymouth State (9-14 overall, 4-9 Little East) clinched sixth place in the LEC and the final conference playoff berth. The Huskies fall to 10-13 overall and 3-10 in the LEC.

            A jumper by Chergey down the stretch in regulation gave the Panthers a 74-72 lead with seconds to play, but USM junior Alex Kee sank two free throws with eight seconds on the clock to force overtime.  USM sophomore Brandon Tomah made a key defensive play, blocking the Panthers' final shot in regulation sending the game into OT.

            In the first overtime, a pair of free throws from freshman Shomari Morgan with 1:57 to play and a layup from Walker with just over a minute remaining gave PSU an 82-79 lead.  After missed possessions on either end of the court, including a solid defensive play by the Huskies from senior Jeremy Jackson, the Huskies tied the score as the shot clock ran down on a three-pointer by senior Chris Pagentine, forcing a second overtime.

            In the second extra period, the Panthers opened with a 6-2 run to grab a four-point lead.  The Huskies were within one point, 90-89, with 50 seconds to play, but Skevas countered with an acrobatic layup with 34 seconds on the clock and PSU outscored USM 8-4 down the stretch for the 100-93 win.

            Plymouth State wraps up the regular season on Saturday with a visit to Western Connecticut for an LEC match-up.  Southern Maine travels to Wentworth on Thursday for a non-conference game. 

(Courtesy of Southern Maine Sports Information) 

-- 30 --