Peru's Evan Williams led the team with 14 points in the 71-56 victory.

Peru, NE – The Peru State College Men’s Basketball team picked up a 71-56 conference victory over the Panthers of York College.

Peru came out of the gate with multiple defensive looks that allowed them to keep the Panthers off guard. The Bobcats held a 35-29 advantage at the half and proceeded to fight through a short run by the Panthers to open up the second half as they outscored York 36-27 in the second. Peru dominated the boards as they held a 47-33 advantage that included 19 offensive rebounds. The Cats committed 28 turnovers but forced the Panthers into 25 turnovers. Peru had 36 of their 71 points in the paint and 25 points from the bench. For the game, Peru shot 37% from the floor on 22 of 58, 23% from the arc on three of 13 and 63% from the free throw line on 24 of 38.

The Bobcats had two players in double figures as Steven Burks led the way with a double-double as he pulled down 11 rebounds and poured in 13 points. Evan Williams led Cats with 14 points and seven rebounds. Jovan Hitch and Matthew Drommond added eight points with Joe Santo adding seven points. Drommond come off the bench to grab six rebounds in the effort as well.

York was led by Justice Nall as the only player in double figures with 22 points. Peru’s Marshall Kelly, York’s Darren Best and D.J. Dickson each picked up a technical foul in the game.

Peru returns to action on Friday night as they host Haskell University.

BOX SCORE