Box Score Box Score

JOHNSTOWN, PA (11/11/2011) – The Chowan University Men's Basketball team could not overcome a first half in which they struggled offensively, as they dropped the 2011-2012 season opener to the University of Pitt-Johnstown, 77-67 on Friday.  The Hawks (0-1) shot 29.0% in the opening period and trailed at halftime, 33-21.
 
Chowan's offense got going in the second half, though, scoring 46 points, but they could not complete the comeback.  The Hawks shot 45.7% from the floor in the second half.
 
Antonio Reddic scored a game-high 24 points in his Chowan debut.  He also grabbed six rebounds and had team-highs with five assists and seven steals.
 
The Mountain Cats (1-0) got off to a quick start in the game, opening up a 10-2 lead three minutes in.  The Hawks responded with an 8-0 run of their own to tie the game at 12 with 14:32 on the clock.  From there, however, Chowan's offense went cold.
 
Over the next 7:48, the Hawks would score just two points – a Quinton McDuffie layup at the 12:22 mark.  McDuffie would record a double-double, scoring 19 points and pulling down 13 rebounds.
 
Five straight Chowan points, including a Lee Branscome three pointer and Reddic layup, brought the Hawks within four points (25-21) with 4:20 remaining in the first half.  Those would be the last points of the half, though, for Chowan.  UPJ ended on an 8-0 run and took a 12 point lead into halftime.
 
UPJ took an 18 point lead after Jordan Miller drained a three-pointer with 13 and a half minutes to play in regulation.  Chowan then answered once again with a 15-4 spurt to creep back within seven.  The Hawks shot 5-7 during the stretch and forced three Mountain Cat turnovers.  For the game, Chowan forced 27 turnovers, leading to 30 points.
 
That was the closest Chowan would get to UPJ for the remainder of the contest. 
 
Chowan was out-rebounded for the game by UPJ, 48-32.  The Hawks attempted 17 free throws, including just one in the first half, compared to 30 for UPJ.
 
Nick Novak led Pitt-Johnstown with 21 points.  Patrick Grubbs had a double-double, firing in 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.
 
Chowan will face Wheeling-Jesuit University tomorrow in the finale of the Pitt-Johnstown Tip-Off Classic.  Game time is set for 2:00pm.  Wheeling-Jesuit defeated Bloomsburg University in the other opening game, 85-66.