CLINTON, S.C.  – Behind four double-figure scorers led by Marquis Barnett's 20 points and a strong defensive performance, the Presbyterian Blue Hose (3-0) topped The Citadel Bulldogs (0-3), 71-64, at the Templeton Center on Monday night.
 
Barnett's 20-point scoring output marked his second career 20-point scoring game. Crosby James posted his second double-digit scoring game of the season with 14 points. Kaleb Scott scored 11 points and Samage Teel tallied his second straight double-figure scoring game with 10 points.
 
Presbyterian's defense limited The Citadel to 31 percent shooting from the field (18-for-58) and 18.2 percent (4-for-22) from beyond the three-point arc in the game.
 

HOW IT HAPPENED
FIRST HALF – Over the first 10 minutes of the game, the lead exchanged hands several times with a few ties. With the score tied at 16 with 9:27 on the clock, The Citadel scored four straight points taking a 20-16 lead. The Citadel maintained the lead until two straight baskets from Scott tied the score at 27 with 2:38 on the clock. The Bulldogs converted on four straight free throws from Madison Durr, who scored 15 points in the game, pushing The Citadel back in front by four points, 31-27. Presbyterian behind six points from Barnett and a fast break layup from Kobe Stewart closed the half on an 8-0 scoring run taking a 35-31 halftime lead.   
 
SECOND HALF – Barnett scored the first two points of the second half giving the Blue Hose a 37-31 lead. The Citadel scored nine of the next 12 points tying the score at 40 at the 17:22 mark. A layup from Teel and a three from Scott at the top of the key helped the Blue Hose regain the lead 45-40 just over a minute later. The Citadel tied the score at 47 at the 12:29 mark, two layups from James and two free throws from Jonah Pierce led to a Blue Hose  6-0 scoring run giving PC the lead for good, 53-47 with just under 11 minutes on the clock. The Citadel cut PC's lead to two points, 58-56, at the 4:40 mark but that would be as close as they would as timely free throw shooting from Barnett, Teel, and Stewart down the stretch closed out the Blue Hose win.  
 

NOTES

• Barnett's 20-point scoring game marked his second double-figure scoring game of the season and the 21^st of his career.
• Barnett posted a career-high five block shots.
• Presbyterian's defense has held each of their first three opponents to under 40 percent shooting from the field. In the second half, PC limited The Citadel to 8.3 percent (1-for-12) from beyond the three-point arc.

 
 
NEXT GAME
The Blue Hose travel to Jacksonville, Florida to play in the three-game University of North Florida First Coast Classic later this week, November 16-18. PC begins Tournament play against the host team North Florida this Thursday, November 16 at 7 p.m.