MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- The Barry Buccaneers' men's basketball team was back on the court for the first time this season on Wednesday night against the Florida Tech Panthers at the Health & Sports Center. The Bucs looked like a team that has been desperately waiting for this very moment in route to their 102-83 victory over the Panthers. This is the first time Barry scores over 100 points against a conference opponent since the 2017-2018 season when they beat Florida Tech 102-83 on February 28th.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Barry 102, FT 83
Records: Barry (1-0), FT (0-1)
All-Time Series: Barry leads 44-27
SUMMARY:
- Both teams were feeling each other out going back and forth for the first eight minutes of the game until a pair of triples by freshman Nick Anderson gave the Bucs a nine point lead with 11:53 remaining in the first half. Barry's offense was crisp and essentially getting whatever shot they wanted shooting 57 percent from the field with 23 field goals on 14 assists while committing just four turnovers. The red and black defense held the Panthers to 37 percent shooting from the field a 1-for-11 from three-point-land.
- The Buccaneer lead ballooned to as much as 35 points in the second half with seven minutes left in the game. Bucs coach Butch Estes began emptying out the bench with Barry in complete control. Newcomers such as Amari Haynes (17 points & 11 rebounds) and Anderson were impressive while returners Jake Kakar, Toru Dean and Justinas Marcinkevicius have all improved from last season.
NOTEWORTHY:
- Marcelo Perez recorded a career-high 19 points.
- Marcinkevicius tied a career-high in points (18) and rebounds (13), but set a new career-high in free throw makes and attempts, going 8-for-8.
- The Bucs out-rebounded the Panthers 51-36.
ON THE HORIZON:
The Bucs head to Melbourne, Florida tomorrow afternoon for the second game of a back-to-back with Florida Tech. Tip-off is set for 5:00 PM. Tune in to @GoBarryBucs on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for more information.
