NEWBERRY — Hot shooting from the floor from the Wolves propelled them to a 112-83 win over nonconference opponent Piedmont International. Newberry finished the night connecting on a season-high 60%F of their attempts from the field.

Freshman Max Miller had 23 points and 11 rebounds, his third double-double of the season. With the 11 rebounds, Miller passed 100 rebounds in his freshman campaign. He remained nearly perfect from the floor going 11-for-12 for a 91.7% from the paint.

With Miller’s help, Newberry dominated in the paint totaling 54 points compared to 34 from the Bruins.

A pair of Newberry runs highlighted the second stanza with the Wolves going on a 21-2 run followed by a 13-2 streak to make it 110-76, nailing 10 of their last 12 shots. A Nick Dietrich three-point play with 3:04 on the clock put the Wolves ahead 34 points, 109-76, their largest lead of the game. Piedmont International stalled the Wolves offensively for the next couple minutes, but a jump shot from Isaac Harris sent Eleazer Arena into a frenzy with 38 ticks on the clock to give Newberry the 112-83 victory.

The score marked the fifth time this season Newberry passed the centennial threshold.

Xavier Hill went 6-for-10 from deep to tally a season-high 18 points. It is the first time this season Hill finished back-to-back games in double figures, he logged 15 points against Carson-Newman this past Saturday.

Marshall Lange and James Stepp chipped in 16 and 13 points, respectively. Rob Valentine rounded out the top five with 12 points and two assists.

Newberry began the game with a 7-0 burst and continued to pour it on going 13-for-18 from the field with a Miller dunk creating a 13-point separation at the 10:25 mark. Piedmont International took advantage of a Wolves’ scoring drought in the ensuing couple minutes to close the gap 45-32. The Wolves retaliated with a 11-7 run to end the half on top 56-39.

The Wolves outscored Piedmont International across the board in assists, rebounds and steals.

Newberry excelled defensively tallying 30 boards on the opposite end compared to 19 from the Bruins. Lange, Miller, Quaman Burton and Jabrie Bullard each recorded five or more boards on the night.

Max Miller recorded 23 points and 11 rebounds, making this his third double-double of the season.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/web1_Max-Miller.jpgMax Miller recorded 23 points and 11 rebounds, making this his third double-double of the season. Courtesy photo

Staff Report