Bruin defense stifles Politecnica to open Puerto Rico Clasico
Bellevue defeated Politecnica 67-41 to open play at the Puerto Rico Clasico, holding PUPR to 27.5 percent shooting and 15 percent from three.
SAN JUAN, P.R. -- In limiting the opposition to just 27.5 percent shooting and a 3-for-20 effort beyond the arc, the Bellevue University men's basketball team kick-off play at the Puerto Rico Clasico with a 67-41 victory over the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico on Monday afternoon at the Coliseo Mario Morales.
The win was the third in a row for Bellevue as the Bruins improve to 8-5 on the season.
Recap: Bellevue 67, Politecnica 41
Bellevue built a 34-20 lead by halftime and out-score Politecnica by a similar 33-21 margin in the second half to ease to victory.
Connor Dukes led three Bruins in double figures with 13 points. Lewis Hayes and Isaiah Bates each chipped in 10 points in the victory with Hayes hauling in a game-high eight rebounds and blocking three shots.
Jemeil King scored six points and dished out eight assists on the evening.
Ricardo Laracuente led PUPR with 11 points and Rafael Cruz added seven points.
The Bruins overcame a season-high 20 turnovers by shooting at a 46.5 percent clip from the floor and limiting Politecnica to just 27.5 percent shooting from the field.
Coach Lucas Gabriel:
"We played our best defensive game of the year, holding a very scrappy team to 41 points. It was a good win! We play a really good team tomorrow! We have to be better with our turnovers and free throw line shooting so that we can beat an aggressive Sacred Heart team!"
Up Next:
Bellevue wraps up play in the Puerto Rico Clasico tomorrow with a 2 p.m. Central (4 p.m. local time) tip-off against Sacred Heart.