Balanced Bruins defeat William Penn, 76-57

OSKALOOSA, Iowa -- Five Bruins scored in double figures, led by James Parrott with 18, as the Bellevue University men's basketball team defeated William Penn University, 76-57, Monday night in front of 500 fans at Penn Gymnasium. 

The ninth-ranked Bruins improved to 7-3 on the season. WPU fell to 6-6 overall. 

Parrott added seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in the win. Austin Bowen finished with 16 points and nine rebounds.  Richard Shepherd recorded his first double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while adding six assists. Ousseynou Diop and Jelani Johnson both finished with 11 points apiece. 

The Statesmen were led by Alan Douglas' 17 points and 10 rebounds. 

Bellevue scored the first 10 points of the contest and held WPU to 31.4 percent shooting in the opening half while building a 14-point margin at halftime, 45-31. 

Shepherd scored all 12 of his points in the opening half to pace the Bruin offense. 

A 3-point play by Douglas pulled WPU to within 10 points at 53-43 with 14 minutes remaining in the contest, but the Bruin defense never let the lead dip into single digits, leading by as much as 23 points following a 3-point play by Bowen at the 8:36 mark. 

The Bruins shot 47.4 percent in the game and held a 50-43 edge in rebounds. 

Bellevue will return home to the Gordon Lozier Athletic Center on Wednesday, Dec. 14 for a 7 p.m. contest against Midland University. 

Note on Dec. 14 Midland University contest: In support of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's annual Toys for Tots Campaign, donations of a new, unwrapped toy will be accepted in lieu of the regular admission fee for the Dec. 14 Midland University game. Additionally, all monies collected will benefit the Campaign.  Free admission applies ONLY to those donating a toy at the gate. The regular admission price of \$5 for adults and \$3 for students will apply to all others. As always, children under 5 are free.