'Phoenix, AZ 12/29/02  –  The Keene State College men's basketball team shot just 29 percent from the floor, but still managed to remain undefeated with a 45-37 victory over Wisconsin-Superior on Sunday in its first game of the Grand Canyon Classic at Grand Canyon University.

Poor shooting plagued both teams. Wisconsin was 16-for-81 from the floor for a 20 percent average. Nearly midway through the first half the score was 6-5 in favor of Keene State (8-0). Which extended its narrow lead to 21-14 at the half.

The Owls' biggest lead was an 11-point cushion when a Bennett Pawlusiak steal set up a lay-up by Matt Wheeler to put KSC ahead 27-16.

Wisconsin cut its deficit to five points (35-30) with 4:38 to play, but a Kyle Purinton lay-up with 2:10 left put the Owls up by 10 and they held on for the victory.

"Our game plan was to win with defense and rebounding, but I didn't' think we'd have to win with that much defense or rebounding. Usually we get our pressure defense going and get a bucket or two, but that didn't happen tonight," said KSC Coach Rob Colbert.

"But I'm pleased with our kids.  One of the most frustrating games from a shooting standpoint turned out a nice way to win a game on the road in the national spotlight.

Derek Swenson led Keene State with 13 points. No one else was in double figures.

KSC will be hard pressed to remain undefeated with a similar shooting performance against its next opponent Ripon (Wis.) College, a perennial Division III powerhouse and seven-time NCAA Tournament team. " It's a chance for one of the biggest wins in our program's history, " Colbert said.

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