Dan Eyrich, AP Sports
Despite a 24 point effort from Connor Keegan the Panther basketball team could not keep with the 20 win Rock Falls Rockets on Monday night losing 71-53 on the road.
The Panthers started slow as they were outscored 19-5 in the opening quarter with all five Rocket starters getting into the scoring column.
EP found their offensive footing in the second quarter as they posted 15 points with Connor Keegan and Evan Steimle each adding three-pointers to the total. The Rockets offense was delivered by Kuitim Heald as he dropped in 11 in the frame. The Rockets headed to the locker room with a 37-20 lead.
Keegan continued to be the offensive motor for EP as he added 9 more points to his total. Unfortunately, the Panthers could not gain any ground on the home team as the Rockets built a 53-33 lead heading to the final eight minutes.
EP was able to cut into the Rocket lead in the final quarter as they got within 11 before the home team regained the momentum and cruised to the win.
Keegan’s 25 including four three-balls led the Panther scoring with Gus Schultz and Evan Steimle each adding 8 in the losing effort. Kuitim Heald had 26 for Rockets with three buckets from behind the arc. Teammate Austin Castaneda had 17.
The 8-17 Panthers will host Princeton on Tuesday in Erie.
