PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Junior Eli Pockette (Rutland, Vt.) led Plymouth State University with a team-high 15 points and four three-pointers, but Norwich University's hot shooting proved decisive in an 82-50 non-conference men's basketball matchup Saturday afternoon at Foley Gymnasium.
 
The Cadets shot better than 60% from the field, using a pair of extended runs on either side of halftime to gain separation. Plymouth State showed a strong start and flashes throughout, but was unable to overcome Norwich's efficiency from the floor.
 
The Panthers, playing their first game since mid-December, slip to 4-7, while the Cadets improve to 4-8.
 
 
The Basics:

• Plymouth State 50, Norwich 82
  • Plymouth State (4-7)
  • Norwich (4-8)

Top Performers:

• Plymouth State
  • Eli Pockette (15 pts, 4-8 3pt, 5 stl)
  • Brady Hulland (5 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast)
  • Torran Bosworth (6 pts, 2 stl)

How it Happened:

• Pockette and senior Yansel Reyes (Manchester, N.H.) each knocked down early three-pointers as Plymouth State grabbed a 6-5 lead.
• Norwich pulled ahead with a 9-2 run, but sophomore Brady Hulland (Amston, Conn.) kept the Panthers close with an old-fashioned three-point play.
• The Cadets pushed the margin to double digits midway through the first half, taking a 21-11 lead.
• Pockette drained another triple in the closing minute of the half, but Norwich carried a 36-21 advantage into the break.
• Norwich opened the second half with a 10-0 run to pull away.
• Pockette connected on another three to briefly slowed the momentum, but the Cadets quickly answered to maintain control.
• Plymouth State was unable to mount a comeback over the final 15 minutes.

By the Numbers:

• Pockette's four three-pointers marked his second-most in a game this season, while his 15 points were four shy of his season high. He also led all players with a season-best five steals.
• Norwich shot 31-of-51 from the field (60.8%) and 9-of-22 from three-point range (40.9%).
• Plymouth State finished 18-of-61 (29.5%) from the floor, including 7-of-25 (28.0%) from beyond the arc.
• The Cadets held a 42-24 rebounding advantage.
• Plymouth State outscored Norwich, 15-8, in second chance points.
• The Panthers still maintain a 9-5 edge in the all-time series.

 
Up Next:

• Plymouth State returns to conference play on Tuesday (Jan. 6) when Keene State visits Foley Gymnasium for a 7 p.m. tipoff.

 
 
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