Box Score | Photo Gallery
Jon Schreer was shooting a free throw late in the Muhlenberg men's basketball game at McDaniel when a heckler yelled "Hey Jon, why are you wearing that sleeve on your left arm? You're right-handed!"
If the Green Terror fans were puzzled by Schreer's wardrobe, it was nothing compared to the confusion experienced by the McDaniel players on offense. The Mules had one of their best defensive efforts of the season, holding the Green Terror to 31.3-percent shooting in an important 61-50 victory.
The win kept Muhlenberg alive for a Centennial Conference playoff berth. Although the Mules (9-10, 4-8) still have ground to make up, they are two games behind McDaniel (11-7, 6-6) for the fifth and final playoff spot with six games to play in the regular season.
"We really needed it," said Schreer, who scored a game-high 19 points. "I'm really proud of how we stepped up today. It takes a lot to come into this place and win. They're a great team at home. We came in, held our own and played tough."
Indeed, McDaniel had been undefeated at home this season. The Green Terror hit a couple of three-pointers late in the first half to take a 24-18 lead into the locker room, but Muhlenberg opened the second half on an 11-3 run to go in front.
Schreer (pictured left) hit two three-pointers during the surge, then added another one to break a 29-all tie and put the Mules ahead to stay.
The defense preserved the lead, allowing only three field goals over a 14-minute span. McDaniel had just 38 points at the two-minute mark before adding some late points in a vain attempt to come back by extending the game.
"Defense comes from playing tough and playing with heart," said Schreer, who for the record wears the sleeve to protect the left elbow he injured as a junior in high school. "We really stuck it out and dictated their offense, which is what we wanted to do."
Sophomore John Hunter contributed to the defensive effort with four blocks and nine rebounds (all in the second half). Senior Malique Killing had a steal, tying the program's career record of 169.
Sophomore Brandon LaRose (pictured above) finished with 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting.
The win came on the same court where the Mules' season ended last year in the first round of the CC playoffs.
"We talked about it a little bit and definitely used it as motivation. It still stings," said Schreer. "For those of us that played last year, we knew what we were getting in to. We have some freshmen and I'm proud that they were able to handle it with the tough crowd."
And because the Mules handled the hostile environment, they have a more realistic shot at returning to the playoffs.
"I believe we have the pieces. We're right there," said Schreer. "We can really make a run if we have more games like we had today."
