WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – The Plymouth State University men's basketball team fell to Eastern Connecticut State University, 74-54, in a Little East Conference (LEC) game at Francis E. Geissler Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.
 
The difference came at the end of the first half when the Panthers were held to just two field goals over the final nine minutes as the Warriors rode a 22-5 run into a 31-15 lead. Plymouth State was able to regroup in the second half, but could not put together a big enough streak to put the game back into contention.
 
Senior Giorgi Tsiklauri (Brooklyn, N.Y.), junior Kevin Henry (Stratham, N.H.) and sophomore Elijah Swanson (Meredith, N.H.) each scored 12 points while averaging 33 minutes each. The Panthers were playing without leading scorer Kyler Bosse (Manchester, N.H.).
 
Plymouth State falls to 6-5 (0-3 LEC) on the season, while the Warriors move to 3-7 and 1-2 in the LEC.
 
The Basics:

• Plymouth State 54, Eastern Connecticut 74
  • Plymouth State (6-5, 0-3 LEC)
  • Eastern Connecticut (3-7, 1-2 LEC)

Top Performers:

• Giorgi Tsiklauri (12 pts, 2-9 3pt, 6 reb, 3 ast)
• Kevin Henry (12 pts, 5-10 fg, 4 reb)
• Elijah Swanson (12 pts, 5-11 fb, 2-5 3pt, 7 reb, 5 blk, 3 stl)

How it Happened:

• A low-scoring start to the first half found the Panthers holding a 10-9 lead with 9:18 remaining on the clock.
• PSU increased the advantage to 12-9 moments later, but the Warriors erupted for 22 straight points to take a 31-12 lead in the final minute of the half.
• PSU drained a triple to make it 31-15 at halftime.
• Eastern Connecticut continued its push with a 10-2 run to open the second half.
• PSU was able to get to within 16 points, 51-35, with 12:10 remaining, but the Warriors halted the comeback attempt.

By the Numbers:

• The Panthers went 19-of-52 (36.5%) from the floor and 6-of-19 (31.6%) from three.
• Plymouth State held a 37-34 advantage on the boards. Each team pulled down ten offensive rebounds.
• PSU had seven blocks in the losing effort.
• The Panthers shot a season high 83.3% from the free throw line, making 10-of-12 attempts.
• Eastern Connecticut holds a narrow 38-41 edge in the all-time series. The teams split last year's meetings, with each team winning on its home court.

  
Up Next:

• PSU wraps up the fall semester portion of the schedule next Saturday (Dec. 17) when UMass Dartmouth visits Foley Gymnasium for a 3:00 p.m. contest.

 
 
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