The Keuka College men’s basketball team pulled away in the second half to defeat Penn College 77–66 on Saturday afternoon at the JMW Recreation and Athletics Center.
Five Wolves scored in double figures for Keuka (2–2). Akinlana Popoola (Cleveland, Ohio / Padua Franciscan) led all scorers with 16 points, while Lamar Lovelace (Rochester, N.Y. / Northeast College Prep) and Kaleb Nutifafa (Elmsford, N.Y. / Alexander Hamilton) each added 13 points. Makya Morrison (Oneonta, N.Y. / Oneonta) finished with 11, and Quinn VanKerkhove (Irondequoit, N.Y. / Irondequoit) chipped in 10
Keuka opened the game with five straight points before Penn answered with seven of their own. The first half featured nine lead changes and three ties, with neither team able to separate. Penn led by as many as five, but a quick three from VanKerkhove and another from Popoola put the Wolves back on top. A late Penn three sent Keuka into halftime trailing 30–29.
Penn College came out strong in the opening minute of the second half, scoring six quick points to build a 36–29 lead. After the Wildcats pushed their advantage to eight, the Wolves responded with the decisive run of the game. Over a five-minute span, Keuka outscored Penn 22–1, hitting three of four from beyond the arc and completely seizing momentum.
From there, the Wolves maintained control, knocking down free throws and keeping distance as they secured their second win of the season.
KC Notes
- Keuka College remains perfect all-time vs. Penn College (9–0).
- Makya Morrison recorded his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds and reached 100 career rebounds.
- The Wolves dominated the glass with a 49–37 rebounding advantage (+12).
- Popoola added three steals and five rebounds to his 16-point effort.
- It was a full team contribution—12 of 13 Wolves scored.
Up Next
Keuka College looks to build on the win when it hosts Hobart College on Tuesday at the JMW Recreation and Athletics Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
