February 23, 2008

Paradoski Nets Winner as Tritons Win at Rockhurst, 71-70

BOX SCORE

KANSAS CITY, MO. – Senior Paul Paradoski scored five points in the final 23 seconds, including the game-winner with 10 seconds to play to help the University of Missouri-St. Louis men’s basketball team to a 71-70 victory at Rockhurst Saturday afternoon in Great Lakes Valley Conference action.

The Tritons led by as many as 11 in the second half, but saw the Hawks rally to take a 64-58 lead with 2:44 to play before UMSL ended the game by outscoring Rockhurst, 13-6.

Junior Adam Kaatman knocked in a pair of free throws with just over two minutes remaining to pull the Tritons within 64-60 before back-to-back buckets by Paradoski and junior Tim Green knotted the score at 64-64 with 1:39 to play.

Rockhurst’s Joey Deas connected on a three-pointer from the far right wing with 1:03 to play before Green knocked in one of two free throws to pull the Tritons within 67-65 with 41 seconds to play. Alden Smith then gave Rockhurst a 70-65 lead on an old-fashioned three-point play with 31 seconds remaining before Paradoski knocked in a three-pointer at the 23-second mark, pulling the Tritons within 70-68.

Junior Jason Black forced a turnover, giving the ball to Kaatman who was fouled on the shot attempt and made one of two free throws to cut the deficit to 71-70. Paradoski then forced a turnover in front of the UMSL bench before the hitting a jumper at the free throw line to give the Tritons the victory.

Kaatman finished with a career-high 18 points for the Tritons, who improved to 9-15, including 4-12 in the GLVC with the win, while also winning on the road for the first time this season.

Rockhurst drops to 9-16, including 5-12 in the league with the loss.

Senior David Ward and Green each added 15 points, while Paradoski and Black finished with eight points apiece.

Ward also recorded his 900th career point and moved into 21st place all-time in UMSL scoring with 914 career points.

Paradoski added six rebounds and five assists, while Kaatman also pulled down six rebounds.

The Tritons shot an even 60 percent from the floor in the first half en route to a 37-29 halftime lead. UMSL opened the contest with the game’s first seven points, while Rockhurst didn’t get on the board until the 14:17 mark.

UMSL finished the game shooting 57.4 percent, while Rockhurst shot 44.8 percent. The Tritons also won the rebounding battle, 32-24.

UMSL returns to action tomorrow at Drury with the tip-off set for 1 p.m.

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