Nov. 21, 2009

Final Stats

ADRIAN, Mich. - Head Coach Mark White's homecoming was a sweet one for the men's basketball program on Saturday night as the Bulldogs won their home opener in the opening round of the John Dawson Tournament with a 74-52 win over Marygrove.

The Bulldogs showcased the depth that was talked about during the offseason. All 15 players saw time on the floor and no one player saw more than 25 minutes of action. The scoring balance was also of note as 11 different players scored against the Mustangs.

Michael Staley led all scorers with 15 points and also chipped in a team-high seven assists with just three turnovers. Staley made four field goals including a triple and was 6-of-6 at the foul line. Dennis Mason also had a solid effort with eight points and a team-high nine boards including four offensive rebounds. He was 4-of-7 from the floor in 16 minutes. Anthony Strickland was the other Bulldog in double figures with 10 points connecting on 3-of-5 from the floor and 4-of-4 at the charity stripe.

Adrian (1-1) shot 40 percent in the first half and 50 percent in the second half for a total of 45 percent (27-of-60). The Bulldogs were 6-of-17 from the arc and 14-of-19 at the foul line. Adrian outrebounded Marygrove, 41-35, as both teams had 13 offensive rebounds. The Bulldogs had a 12-4 edge in steals and scored 18 points off turnovers. Adrian also had a 34-22 edge in points in the paint.

Adrian led 34-24 at the break holding Marygrove to 39.3 percent shooting. The Mustangs were only able to convert 29.6 percent from the field in the second half as AC outscored them by 12 in the second half. Adrian led by as many as 29 points with 4:22 left in the contest.

Adrian will now face Defiance College (2-0) on Sunday in the John Dawson Tournament championship game at 4:00 p.m. from Merillat Gymnasium. The Yellow Jackets were victorious over Mount Union, 80-67, in the other game on Saturday.