WILKES-BARRE – The Wilkes University men’s basketball team defeated Rowan University 86-77 in it’s season opener Sunday afternoon at the Marts Center. The victory marks a strong start for the Colonels under head coach tyler Smith.
Colin Ackerman scored the first points of the season for Wilkes, but Rowan quickly took a 7-3 lead.Wilkes responded wiht a 9-8 run, fueled by a three-pointer from Ackerman and a fastbreak score from Eli Becker, and later extended their advantage too 18-11 seven minutes into the first half.
Rowan then embarked on a 13-0 run to regain the lead, 24-18. Wilkes battled back with consecutive baskets from Ackerman, and three-pointers from Becker and Lucas Lesko, tying the score at 26 with six minutes remaining. A layup by Jack Argento gave Wilkes a 28-27 lead.
The Colonels closed the first half strong, outscoring Rowan 8-5 to take a 36-32 lead into halftime. Thay continued their momentum after the break with a 9-0 run, extending their lead to 45-32. Wilkes built a lead as large as 19 points,reaching a 60-41 advantage.
Rowan mounted a comeback, closing the gap to 68-62 with a 21-8 run. Wilkes responded with three-pointers from Becker and Daniel Santaniello to regain a double-digit lead. In the final minute, Wilkes secured the win by going 10-for-12 from the free-throw line.
Lesko led Wilkes with a 19-point,10-rebound double-double. Ackerman and Santaniello each contributed 18 points, while Becker added 17 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, also completing a double-double. Ackerman also dished out six assists.
Brycen Williams led rowan with 20 points, and Taz Cantey led the team with five rebounds and six assists.
Wilkes will next host cross-town rival King’s College on Tuesday, November 11th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Marts Center.
