Box Score Salisbury, MD- The Cougars defeated Penn St- Abington Nittany Lions 82-67 on Friday Dec. 2, 2011 in the opener of the 2011 Optimist Classic held at Salisbury College. The Cougars improved their record to 4-4 while the Nittany Lions dropped to 2-2.

In the 1st half, the Cougars led from the opening tip. They led by as much as 14pts in the frame. Timely shooting and Free Throws helped the Cougars increase the lead in the half. The Cougars shot 46.4% from the field, 33.3% from 3pt. range, and 85.7% from the free throw line (12-14). The Nittany Lions shot 23.7% from the field, 7.7% from 3pt. range, and 76.2% from the free throw line. Junior Guard Jarrel Deare led the Cougars with 10pts. He tallied a rebound, assist and a steal. Mike Marvin led the Nittany Lions with 10pts as well.

The 2nd half was a mirror image of the 1st half. The Cougars increased the defense, made their shots and increased their lead to 15pts. PSU-Abington played tight basketball and at one point, only trailed MEC by 3pts. MEC continued making their shots and PSU-Abington never came back, to take the lead. MEC shot 34.4% from the field, 30% from the behind the arc, and 77.3% from the free throw line. PSU-Abington shot 33.3% from the field, 30.8% from behind arc, and 50% from the free throw line. MEC was led by Winston Douglas. The Junior Forward grabbed 4 rebounds, tallied 2 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal. Jovan Deare scored 13pts, grabbed 8 rebounds, and tallied 2 blocks. PSU-Abington was led by Mike Colacci who scored 10pts.

For the game, MEC was led by Winston Douglas. Douglas scored 21pts, grabbed 10 rebounds, tallied 2 assists, 4 blocks and 3 steals. Jovan Deare also scored 21pts, and grabbing 10 rebounds. Deare tallied an assist and 2 blocks. His brother Jarrel Deare scored 16pts, grabbed 4 rebounds, tallied 2 assists, a block and 4 steals. PSU-Abington was led by Mike Marvin and Mike Colacci, each scoring 14pts. Will Alton added 11pts. 

The Cougars will be back in action on Saturday Dec. 3, 2011, when they play conference foe John Jay Bloodhounds in a non conference game in the 2011 Optimist Classic Championship Game.Tip off is for 6pm.