King’s College struggled offensively early Monday night, but once they got started, the Monarchs cranked out their highest-scoring effort in more than half a century.
James Willis, a senior coming off the bench, and Jake Pawliczak, a freshman starter, combined to make 19 of 22 shots while leading a 115-70 rout of visiting Clarks Summit University.
Both teams entered the game searching for the first win of the season.
The Defenders led, 8-4, when King’s called timeout 5:22 into the game.
The Monarchs went on a 23-3 run over the next 4:39, with Josh Bailey scoring six points, to take a 27-11 lead midway through the first half.
Willis needed just 19 minutes to pile up 30 points on 11-for-14 shooting from the floor. He exceeded his previous career-high by eight points while going 4-for-5 from 3-point range and 4-for-4 from the line.
Pawliczak made all eight of his shots while also producing his best scoring night. He finished with 17 points, 3 blocked shots and 3 steals.
Bailey, a junior, celebrated his 21st birthday with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals.
That combination led King’s to the third-highest scoring night in school history and the most points since it scored 128 against Marist College in 1967.
Willis had 11 of the 19 King’s points over the last 7:04 of the half to build a 51-27 lead. He was part of a bench that provided 41 of the team’s 64 second-half points.
Freshman J.J. Glinsky, a Mid Valley graduate, and Patrick Galvin, a Holy Cross graduate, added eight points each. Noah Tanner, a sophomore from Mid Valley, had five points and six assists.
Tony Maloney from Tunkhannock needed only five minutes to put up his six points.
King’s (1-4) forced 33 turnovers, which it converted into 49 points.
Marcus Dixon led the Defenders (0-6) with 18 points. Reed Plantz and Michael Leak added 11 points each.
