Men's Basketball dominates in season opener, Gibson earns first win as Defiance head coach

The Defiance men's basketball team dominated in their season opener against Maranatha-Baptist on Friday evening, 78-50.

The Basics

• Records: Defiance (1-0), Maranatha-Baptist (0-1)
• Location: Karl H. Weaner Center – Defiance, Ohio
• Attendance: 300

Notables

• Defiance men's basketball head coach Josh Gibson earned his first win as head coach for the Yellow Jackets.
• The Friday contest was Game 1 of the 46th annual Purple and Gold Tournament.

Inside The Numbers

• Senior Marell Jordan led Defiance with a team-high 20 points, grabbed six rebound, and snatched four steals. He shot 8-of-16 from the field.
• Sophomore Dejsani Beamon added 15 points going 7-of-14 from the floor and dished out three assists.
• Freshman Landen Swanner recorded ten points in his debut.
• Freshman Clay McCorkle chipped in 11 points off the bench for the Yellow Jackets.
• As a team, Defiance shot 29-of-73 (.397) from the field and 11-of-29  (.379) from the three-point line.
• Leading Maranatha-Baptist was Caleb Moultrie with 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the floor. He also grabbed five rebounds.
• Mike Mertes added nine points off the bench for the Sabercats.
• As a team, Maranatha-Baptist shot 18-of-52 (.346) from the field and 6-of-18 (.333) from behind the arc.

The Difference

• Defiance started the game on a fast 10-4 run to take command in the beginning of the contest.
• The Yellow Jackets continued their strong performance throughout the first half and took a commanding 40-19 halftime lead.
• Defiance used their momentum from the first half and didn't look back taking the game, 78-50.
• The Yellow Jackets shared the wealth on the night with a 11-5 advantage in assists.
• Defiance also strong defense during the entire game causing 26 turnovers while winning the turnover battle, 26-10.
• The Yellow Jackets converted on those turnovers with a 27-11 advantage.
• Defiance struck quick with a big edge in fast break points, 26-2.
• The Yellow Jackets finished the game with 38 total rebounds and 32 points in the paint.

Up Next

• The Yellow Jackets look to home court once again when they take on Miami-Hamilton on Sunday, November 7 for the final day of the 46th Annual Purple and Gold Tournament. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.