Walker’s Game-Winner Lifts LHU Over Nyack

SHIPPENSBURG – Bootsie Walker (Chester, Pa./Chester) drilled a game-winning jumper to lift the Lock Haven University men’s basketball team (1-0) to a season-opening win over Nyack College (0-1) today, 75-71 at the Wolf’s Bus Lines Classic hosted by Shippensburg University.

LHU led, 71-69 with 33 seconds to play when Nyack’s Robert Tyler tied the game at, 71-71 with a layup.  Lock Haven called a timeout with 25 seconds to play and out of the timeout, Walker caught the ball on the left wing, drove down the lane and hit a tough left-handed jumper with 12 seconds left to give LHU a, 73-71 lead.

The Bald Eagles forced a turnover on the ensuing Nyack possession and Walker secured the win with two free throws.

Walker, who was a Preseason All-PSAC East selection, finished with a team-high 16 points.
Cole Renninger (Lock Haven, Pa./Central Mountain) scored six points and dished out a team-best five assists in the win.

Al Blount (Allentown, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) dropped 15 points, including four three-pointers.

Brahieme Jackson (Philadelphia/Bishop McDevitt) posted a double-double with 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

Tracy Peal (Wilmington, Del./Archbishop John Carroll) scored 10 points in his Lock Haven debut.

The Bald Eagles shot just 37.5% (9-for-24) in the first half and trailed, 36-35 at halftime, but The Haven found its groove in the second half and shot 56.5% (13-for-23) to grab the win.

Lock Haven is right back in action Saturday when the Bald Eagles close out play at the Wolf’s Bus Lines Classic against Penn State Lehigh Valley.  Tipoff from Shippensburg is scheduled for 3 p.m.