ATLANTA – The Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels picked up a 72-50 win against the Luther Norse in the first game of the 2024 Jack Berkshire Classic on Sunday. Senior Dylan Pumpian led with 17 points, three rebounds and one block.
Malachi Dooley and Perry Robinson followed with 10 points each, as well as four assists for Dooley and seven rebounds for Robinson. Willard Thompson recorded eight points and Jackson Kemp made eight rebounds and two assists.
"That was a good win," said head coach Philip Ponder. "I was really pleased with our defensive effort all night. Our defense had taken a step back the last few games, but it took a step forward tonight. It took a while for our offense to get going, but I thought the second half was good. Now we have a short turnaround, against a very good Albion squad tomorrow."
The game began with two good free throws from Robinson, then the first of several 3-pointers by Pumpian. Luther only gained the lead twice during the game: at 11-9 and 13-11. Both leads were quickly squashed, and another 3-pointer from Pumpian pushed Oglethorpe forward for good.
The Norse did battle through the first half, never allowing the Petrels any major runs. A layup from Dooley sent Oglethorpe into halftime up 30-26.
With Ponder feeling the score was too close for comfort, the Petrels finally found a run in the second half. A layup from Jordan James kickstarted a 13-2 run, ultimately handing Oglethorpe the game with a 56-35 lead. The game had high energy throughout, but that energy peaked with Christian Williams, Ethan Weems, and Cyrus LaPlant all hitting 3-pointers in the final minutes. Despite a last second jumper from the Norse, Oglethorpe triumphed 72-50.
About the Jack Berkshire Classic
Jack Berkshire served Oglethorpe as head men's basketball coach from 1976 to 1998 and posted a 315-97 record. He also served as athletics director from 1976 until his retirement in 2002. Berkshire was inducted into the Oglethorpe Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986. His 1979-80 and 1993-94 teams have also been inducted into the Hall of Fame, as well as multiple of his individual players.
During his time at Oglethorpe, Berkshire led the Stormy Petrels through the transition into the NCAA and SCAC eras, their first ever SCAC championship, and major athletics program growth. Under Berkshire's leadership, the program increased from six sports to the current 16.
The event is sponsored by Holiday Inn Express.
Game Notes
- This was Oglethorpe's first ever contest against Luther.
- Tyler O'Donoghue made the first assist of his career.
- LaPlant hit the first 3-pointer and basket of his collegiate career.
- Thompson made a season high of three rebounds.
- After Oglethorpe's game, Albion defeated Huntingdon 85-78 in overtime.
Up Next
The Jack Berkshire Classic continues as the Stormy Petrels take on Albion Monday, Dec. 30, at 4 p.m. A neutral game between Huntingdon and Luther will be held beforehand, beginning at 2 p.m.