The Gannon University men’s basketball team showcased an extraordinary performance on Tuesday, overcoming Kutztown with a staggering score of 106-48. The triumph not only marked their fifth consecutive win but also set a new school record by forcing the Golden Bears into a remarkable 48 turnovers, surpassing the previous record of 41 turnovers forced against Buffalo State during the 1979-80 season. This level of dominance is reported to be among the highest turnover totals recorded in Division II history.
Gannon’s aggressive defense was a significant factor in their victory, contributing to a school record of 25 steals in the game. Just shy of the all-time record of 26 steals, this performance highlighted the Golden Knights’ defensive prowess, as they previously entered the game ranked sixth in Division II for steals per game. Leading the defensive effort were twin brothers, who each contributed multiple steals, further emphasizing the team’s collective strength.
On the offensive front, Gannon took advantage of Kutztown’s zone defense, attempting a record 45 three-point shots and successfully making 11 of them. The balanced scoring saw four players reach double figures, with leading scorer posting 15 points, while also contributing eight assists and five steals. The depth of their bench was on display as all 14 players scored, with the bench providing an impressive 59 points in total.
The game progressed with Gannon establishing an early lead after a brief slowdown in play. After trailing 11-8, the Golden Knights launched a 20-0 run fueled by Kutztown turnovers, leading to a commanding halftime score of 46-21. The team continued their relentless pace into the second half with a 19-0 run that showcased their ability to control both ends of the court.
With this victory, Gannon improved to 8-1 overall and 2-0 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), asserting themselves as one of the top-performing teams in Division II, currently fourth in scoring offense with an average of 96.9 points per game.
Looking ahead, Gannon will face their stiffest competition yet during a two-game stretch in southeastern Pennsylvania this weekend, as they take on West Chester and Millersville. This matchup highlights a pivotal moment in their schedule as they continue to establish their dominance in the conference and maintain momentum through the remainder of the season. With their standout defense and versatile offense, the Golden Knights seem poised for further success.