MEN’S BASKETBALL

The Huntington men’s basketball team kicked off their season with a 76-67 win over Governors State Tuesday night at Platt Arena. It was the second straight year the two squads faced each other to start the season with HU coming out on top both times.

“I was very pleased with our defense through the first 20 minutes,” said Coach Kory Alford, “I thought we had some lapses late, especially with rebounding the ball, but it was good to get the first game jitters behind us and still get the victory.

“Our offense wasn’t as sharp as we would have liked but we know the areas we need to work on. We have a lot of games in the next few weeks that will give us a chance to improve on things.”

While last year’s season opener was just a two-point spread by game’s end, tonight had a completely different feel compliments of a 21-2 run over a six-minute span midway through the first half where HU turned an 8-6 disparity into a 27-10 advantage.

Lane Sparks lived up to his surname by connecting on his first four shots to account for nine of HU’s 21 points during the scoring frenzy. In his collegiate debut off the bench, the 6-3 rookie finished with 15 points, five rebounds and three steals.

Spencer Ballinger also sparked his team off the bench by adding ten points and seven boards.

Huntington took a 14-point advantage of 38-24 into the locker room. Alford’s crew climbed their lead to as many as 18 early in the second frame only to watch it dwindle to singles digits by the halfway point. It would get no closer than nine points thanks to consecutive buckets in the paint by Ballinger after which HU held their visitors at arm’s length to notch the win.

In addition to Sparks and Ballinger’s contributions, Zach Goodline netted 15 points, handed out five dimes and swiped two steals. Hank Pulver dropped in 11 points on 5-for-8 shooting.

“Lane Sparks brought great energy off the bench,” noted Alford. “He’s a high-level scorer and plays with great intensity.

“Having fans back in Platt Arena was an incredible experience. The support from our students and fans will be a huge asset to us throughout the season.”

HU takes a 1-0 record into the weekend where they will host their annual Ness Bros. Hall of Fame Tournament. The Foresters are set to square off with Calumet College of St. Joseph on Friday at 8:00 p.m. The opening game at 6:00 p.m. will feature Missouri Baptist vs. East-West.