The Pekin Panthers dropped their first game of the season, falling to WACO 61-55 on Friday, December 5th, despite a furious second-half comeback that saw them erase a 16-point halftime deficit. WACO improved to 1-0 with the season and home-opening victory, while Pekin fell to 1-1.
Game Recap
WACO dominated the first half, building a 19-7 lead after the first quarter behind strong shooting, hitting around 60% from the field. The Warriors’ Simeon Hughes scored 10 points in the opening half and finished with a game-high 20 points. WACO extended their advantage to 32-16 by halftime as Pekin struggled offensively, shooting just 28% from the field (7-of-25) and 1-of-5 from three-point range in the first two quarters.
However, Pekin made significant adjustments at halftime and stormed back in the third quarter. The Panthers outscored WACO to tie the game at 40-40, though the Warriors still led 46-40 heading into the fourth quarter. Despite Pekin’s continued effort, WACO held on for the six-point victory, aided by a strong performance at the free-throw line where they converted 16-of-22 attempts.
Pekin Stats
Starters:
Cole Millikin led Pekin with 23 points, with 18 points coming in the second half, two rebounds, one assist, and three steals while shooting 8-of-16 from the field. Alijah Brock added 15 points, a team-high seven rebounds, and three steals on 6-of-11 shooting. Riley Smith contributed 12 points, two rebounds, and three steals while connecting on 5-of-8 from the field. Henry Adam finished with five points, three rebounds, a team-high six assists, four steals, and one block. Nolan Glick grabbed three rebounds, dished out one assist, recorded two steals, and committed zero turnovers.
Bench:
Mason Dahlstrom added one steal, while Cal Miller contributed one rebound and one assist.
As a team, Pekin shot 21-of-50 from the field, 10-of-20 from three-point range, and 3-of-5 from the free-throw line. The Panthers totaled 18 rebounds and committed 11 turnovers. Millikin, Smith, and Adam all dealt with foul trouble during the game.
Coach’s Perspective
Pekin head coach John Swanson acknowledged his team’s slow start but praised their second-half adjustments.
“Really slow start in the first quarter. We dug ourselves a big hole but were able to make adjustments at half and tie the game at the end of the third,” Swanson said. “We’ve got to be better prepared to play four quarters next time out.”
The Panthers (1-1) will look to bounce back and return to the win column in their next outing on Monday, December 8th at Montezuma.
