Grant Cooper led the Owls past Union with 20 points and 11 rebounds. (File photo)
SCHENECTADY, NY — Grant Cooper posted a double double with 20 points and 11 rebounds as Westfield State defeated Union, 88-82 in the second game of the 2014 Sig Makofski Invitational Men’s Basketball Tournament at Union’s Viniar Center Saturday. The Owls are now 5-1 while the Dutchmen fell to 3-1.
Cooper made eight of 11 shots and added five assists while Andre King just missed a double-double of his own, scoring nine points with 10 boards and also five assists. Brian Foley scored nine for the Owls, who had a 46-34 rebounding advantage on the night and won despite posted 21 turnovers. Westfield shot 51% for the game, including 54% in the first half when the guests took a 46-36 lead into the half.
Four players scored in double figures for the Dutchmen in their home opener. Terell Winney had a game high 22 points with four assists and Deshon Burgess dished out six assists to lead all players while scoring 16. Ryan Whelpley scored 14 and William Hython had 11 despite early foul trouble, playing only 19 minutes. The Dutchmen shot 45% but just 48% from the line (15 for 31).
Westfield was up by as many as 12 at 52-40 with 15:57 left, but the Dutchmen pullled to within three. Winney’s three pointer capped an 11-2 run and the Dutchmen trailed by just three at 54-51 with 13:47 left to play. Union was also within four with 5:48 to play at 69-65 but could not get any closer the rest of the contest.
Union hosts Williams at 4 p.m. Sunday following Westfield State’s 2 p.m. game vs. Skidmore. – Story courtesy Union College sports information
