Kent Denver Handles University In First Round Challenge

DENVER—The fifth seeded Kent Denver Sun Devils (19-4) overpowered the 28th seeded University Bulldogs (12-12) 58-43 Friday night at home to advance to the Sweet 16 of the 3A state tournament.

The game was stagnant at the start, as both teams tried to settle in and find their comfort zones. The Bulldogs zone defense seemed to unnerve the Sun Devils—but not for long.

Early foul trouble for University kept the Sun Devils at the line, and soon enough they were playing confidently and under control. After one, the score was 13-9 in favor of Kent Denver.

“Our guys quickly got into tough foul trouble, and it forced us to adjust our game,” said University coach Dave Crespin. “We threw in a zone to try to mix things up. I think we did a good job of keeping them on their heels offensively.”

University’s offense continued to struggle in the second quarter. While the team moved the ball well and found open passing lanes, there seemed to be a lid on the rim keeping the majority of their shots from falling.

Kent Denver was led by senior captain Lamar Blackwell, who finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, the majority of which were on the offensive end. He got it going in the second quarter, and finished the first half with nine points.

Playing balanced and smart, the Sun Devils found themselves with a nine point halftime lead at 28-19.

Coming out of the break, however, University found new energy from senior forwards Mike Rusch and Derek Perez. Perez had limited first half minutes due to fouls, but came out of in the second frame determined to grab boards and find easy buckets. He finished with 12 points, five boards, two steals, a block and an assist.  Rusch played with confidence, filling up stats in nearly every category, and finished with 10 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.

In the second half University just couldn’t make up for its early struggles.    

“We came out pushing, and it seemed like every time we had a chance to move their lead to single digits, they hit a big three or made a big play,” Crespin said.

Kent Denver coach Todd Schayes echoed Crespin’s statement. “They were really playing with a different attitude out of the locker room, but our guys did a great job of staying calm and playing our game." 

The Sun Devils’ lead remained steady until the final buzzer sounded. Coaches Schayes and Crespin had nothing but respect for one another following the game.

When asked about the Bulldogs’ hustle and determination to keep in the game, coach Schayes added that “University is a very well-coached team, and they do a great job of coming out and playing with heart every game. Seniors on both teams had great games tonight, and their players should be proud of the way they played tonight.”

Kent Denver will face the winner of the matchup between the twelfth-seeded Brush Beetdiggers and the twenty-first seeded Dolores Huerta Scorpions.

Checkout the updated 3A brackets.

Contact the writer at jdonnelly@milehighhoops.com.