After suffering a difficult road loss to the University of Northwestern Ohio and having to wait a week to see the floor again, the Shawnee State men’s basketball team returned home on Wednesday, Nov. 6, with everything to prove and an eye on redemption. The Bears showcased their offensive firepower with multiple players scoring in double figures, led by Donovan Lovelace’s double double of 22 points and 12 rebounds. Lovelace was joined by Markell Hood with a very efficient 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while Tre Beard contributed 17 points and AJ Belton scored 10 points and a few highlight plays.
The offensive chemistry for the Bears was never a question as they racked up two games in a row scoring 90-plus points and shooting over 50% from the field. With the Bears totaling 18 assists on 33 made field goals, this level of sharing the ball and efficiency will make them a challenging team to prepare for and face. As the Bears begin a long stretch of games, Shawnee State seems prepared and poised to become an offensive juggernaut in the River States Conference.
“I think we are trending upwards,” Lovelace said after Wednesday’s game. “We are really good offensively and will outscore a lot of people this year, but we have to find ways to become just as elite on defense.”
His words reflect what head coach Mike Hunter is trying to do this season and beyond — become an elite two-way team.
Tre Beard, one of the team’s core players, has also embraced a shift in his role this season.
“This year, I have more of a target,” Beard explained. “Being a 50% shooter, people guard me a little tighter, so I have to find my shots in different ways like off screens and just getting to open spots so my teammates can find me. But it helps to bring that distraction so other guys can go off.”
Beard’s willingness to draw the defense’s attention and allow other players to open things up adds another layer to the Bears’ dynamic offense.
The Bears met their next challenge on Saturday, Nov. 9, as they topped a scrappy, skilled Kentucky Christian University squad 80-75. SSU travels to Wilberforce University on Monday, Nov. 11, for their next competition.
