The Purdue North Central basketball team hit the road Wednesday evening and came away with a strange 98-74 loss to Manchester College in Manchester, IN.

Despite leading 37-35 at the break and expanding the lead to 10 points at 52-42 with 15:46 to play, PNC was outscored by 34 points the rest of the way (56 to 22) for the final margin. Manchester took advantage of some red-hot shooting, a major foul differential and a six minute PNC scoring drought to seal the win. During that six minute span the Panthers were outscored 22-0 and trailed 64-52 before they scored again.

In the first half the Panthers connected on 15 of 29 attempts (51.7%) from the floor, 4 of 11 three-pointers and 3 of 5 free throws. Manchester was 12 of 29 (41.4%), 4 of 10 and 7 of 17 respectively.

However, the second half statistics were the story of the game as PNC struggled to 12 of 33 (36%) shooting but converted 7 of 15 three's (48%) and all six of their free throws. But Manchester responded with an impressive 21 of 28 (75%) effort from the floor, including 8 of 10 on three's (80%) and made all 13 attempts from the charity stripe.

Manchester took advantage of a major foul discrepancy of 24-11 overall and made 20 of 30 free throw attempts compared to just 9 of 11 for PNC. Foul trouble limited PNC's normal aggressive play as five different Panthers had three or more fouls, including three players with four fouls, while Manchester had just one player with three fouls. Manchester won the rebounding battle 40-25 but committed 11 turnovers compared to Purdue North Central's 8.

The Panthers had three players in double figures, led by sophomore Jordan Delks with 23 points. Delks was an impressive 8 of of 12 from the floor including 7 of 10 from beyond the arc. Junior Ryan Sisson added 17 points and a team high 7 rebounds while junior Derrick Hazelwood added 16 points and 6 assists.

PNC fell to 2-3 overall while Manchester improved to 2-0. The Panthers play again this Saturday when they host Holy Cross College at 2 p.m. at the La Porte Civic Auditorium.

The Purdue North Central basketball team lost both games in the IU/PU Challenge hosted by IU-East in Richmond, IN on Nov. 13 th and 14 th .

On Friday the Panthers fell to IU-Southeast by the score of 95-65. An off shooting night by PNC and a barrage of three-pointers by the Grenadiers did in the Panthers who trailed 41-30 at the half. IU-Southeast took advantage of their depth and gradually pulled away for the difference.

Junior Ryan Sisson led Purdue North Central with 17 points and 7 rebounds while senior J.F. Ndomb added 16 points.

Overall, PNC connected on 22 of 53 attempts, including 2 of 12 three-pointers and 19 of 27 free throws. IUSE finished 32 of 75, 13 of 36 and 18 of 24 respectively. The Panthers were out-rebounded 37-28 and committed 23 turnovers.

On the second day of the Challenge PNC fell 80-74 to the host, IU-East in a tightly contested ball game.

The Panthers trailed 37-34 at the break and pulled to 70-69 with 1:20 to go. However, IU-East outscored PNC 10-5 the rest of the way, including 6 of 6 free throws for the final margin.

Sisson led PNC again with 20 points and 7 rebounds while freshman Alphonse Futch added 16 points and 8 rebounds. Sophomore Nathaniel Carroll contributed 14 points and 5 rebounds for the Panthers.

The Panthers finished 27 of 55 from the field, 6 of 17 from beyond the arc and 14 of 24 from the free throw line. IU-East was a dismal 21 of 64 from the floor, but made 5 of 15 three's and an impressive 33 of 41 free throw attempts.

PNC won the rebounding battle 42-39 but committed 22 turnovers compared to 15 for IU-East.

Following the Challenge Sisson was selected to the all-tournament team.

The Panthers (2-2) play again on Wednesday when they take on Manchester College in Manchester, IN at 6 p.m. central time.

The Purdue North Central basketball defeated Andrews University (MI) 64-38 Wednesday night at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. The Panthers moved to 2-0 overall while the Cardinals fell to 0-1 following their season opener. The 2-0 start is believed to be the best start since the program's inception in 1998.

PNC jumped out to a commanding 37-15 lead at the break behind sophomore Nathaniel Carroll's 10 points, junior Derrick Hazelwood's 9 points and junior Ryan Sisson's 8 points. They also knocked down 5 of 9 three-pointers while Andrews connected on 1 of 7.

The Panthers aggressive play forced 11 first half Cardinal turnovers while committing just three of their own. It also led to a 10 of 12 effort from the free throw line while Andrews didn't have an attempt.

Purdue North Central outscored Andrews 27-23 in the second half as every player saw action and nine scored.

Individually, Sisson led PNC with 19 points while knocking down 10 of 11 free throws. Carroll finished with 12 points while sophomore Jordan Delks had a game-high 6 rebounds. Freshman Christian Tchamba was the only Cardinal to reach double digits with 10 points.

Overall, PNC finished 17 of 37 (46%) from the floor, 6 of 16 (38%) from beyond the arc and 24 of 28 (86%) at the line. Andrews was held to 15 of 43 (35%), 4 of 20 (20%) and 4 of 8 (50%) respectively. The Panthers also out-rebounded the Cardinals 26-20 and forced 19 turnovers compared to their 14.

PNC has over a week off before they play again next weekend in the IUPU Challenge hosted by IU-East in Richmond, IN. PNC opens up on Friday verses IU-Southeast at 7 p.m. (e.t.) and concludes the tournament on Saturday at 4 p.m. (e.t.) verses IU East. Schedules and times are subject to change.

The Purdue North Central basketball team used a strong defensive effort and aggressive play to defeat IU-South Bend 79-75 in both team's season opener Friday night at the La Porte Civic Auditorium.

PNC jumped out to a 34-29 lead at halftime, holding the Titans to 27% shooting on 9 of 34 attempts. Both teams were hot in the second half (IUSB at 51%, PNC at 50%), but the Panthers nailed 40% in the first half for the difference. PNC also finished an impressive 7 of 15 from three-point territory while IUSB was 4 of 19.

Purdue North Central's aggressive play allowed them to get to the line a whopping 48 times compared to IU-South Bends 27. The Panthers made 34 of their attempts while the Titans made 17.

The taller Titans won the rebounding battle 38-27 but the Panthers contested all shots and played strong help-side defense to offset the height differential.

Sophomore Jordan Delks and junior Ryan Sisson led PNC in scoring with 22 points apiece in their Panther debut. Delks knocked down 4 of 5 treys and made 10 of 12 free throws, including four important attempts down the stretch. Sisson finished 8 of 13 from the floor with one three-pointer and 5 free throws while adding 6 rebounds.

Senior J.F. Ndomb contributed 18 points, including 14 of 16 from the line while leading the Panthers with 8 rebounds.

Ben Werner led the Titans with 21 points and 9 rebounds while Dan Kunde contributed 13 points. Mark Comparato added 10 points and Terry Hill had 11 rebounds for IUSB.

PNC plays again on Wednesday when they host Andrews University (MI) at 7 p.m.

After several weeks of demanding practices, the Purdue North Central basketball team starts their season at home Friday, October 30 th at 7 p.m. verses Indiana University South Bend. The Panthers are looking for a breakout season with several new faces and a new home venue.

PNC is excited to host their home contests at the La Porte Civic Auditorium after playing the past seven seasons at Marquette High School in Michigan City. The Panthers look forward to developing a strong foothold in La Porte while their new complex is being built on campus in the coming years.

Head coach Kris Schnatz begins his third season with his second full recruiting class. He enters the third phase of a three year plan and hopes to take the next step in building the program.

In his first year, Schnatz inherited a thin team in his first season in the fall of 2007-08 when they finished 5-26. Last year's youth was apparent as they started four freshmen in several games while veteran players included first year transfers getting used to a new system. Despite finishing 4-27, the Panthers progressed throughout the season and won their final two regular season games.

“We competed all year and were in some very tight basketball games down the stretch,” said Schnatz. “We were very young and didn't understand how to finish games. Last year's experience and this year's recruiting class will help us overcome some of those situations.” said Coach Schnatz

The Panthers return five student-athletes from last season including two of their three leading scorers throughout conference play, senior forward JF Ndomb (14 ppg) and junior guard DJ Green (13ppg). Ndomb also led the Panthers in rebounds at 5.2 per game.

Rounding out the returner roster is Senior center Ryan Chambers (3.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg), senior guard Ronald Nanda (2.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg) and sophomore center Sean McMullen (2.0 ppg, 1.2 rpg). Aside from McMullen, the other returning players were new to the program as transfers.

“This group has continued to improve despite a difficult season last year,” said Schnatz. “We had a very good off-season and these guys are ready for a fresh start.”

Along with their new home venue the Panthers are looking forward to the addition of seven newcomers to the roster, including one redshirt freshman.

“We had a solid recruiting class this season mixed with both young, hungry guys as well as experienced leaders,” added Schnatz. “Last season we lacked on-court leadership, but we are well balanced now with three seniors, three juniors, three sophomores and three freshmen.”

Two junior college transfers were major additions to PNC's squad. Ryan Sisson (Grand Rapids, MI), is a guard/forward from Kalamazoo Valley Community College in MI while Derrick Hazelwood (Indianapolis, IN) came via Parkland Community College in Champagne, IL .

“Ryan is an exciting swing man who will add a new element to the Panther Program,” said Schnatz. “His all around game continues to improve and we look forward to seeing him develop this season.”

“Derrick is a natural leader and feels comfortable in that role for us as our point guard, added Schnatz.” “He brings stability to that position and we look for him to control the speed of the game and make the four guys around him better.”

Sophomore Nathaniel Carroll (Daleville, IN) transferred in from the College of Mount St. Joseph.

“Nathaniel is an intelligent basketball player with a great work ethic that will make an immediate impact,” said Schnatz. “He has a competitive drive that we believe will encourage his teammates to work even harder.”

Jordan Delks is a sophomore from Rossville, IN and transferred in from Anderson University at semester break last year.

“Jordan is an extremely hard worker and brings an unmatched intensity to the program,” said Schnatz. “We are excited to have his energy on the court and he has already improved in all areas of his game this past year.”

The three new freshman include D.J. Anderson (Portage, IN), Alphonse Futch (Indianapolis, IN) and Travis Zippel (LaCrosse, IN).

“D.J. is a nice addition to this freshman class and brings some much needed size and a variety of skills to the Panther program,” said Schnatz.

“Alphonse is a guard that was with us all last season as a redshirt and we are excited to introduce him with this group of new comers. He is a combo-guard who can be very aggressive and make an impact on both ends of the floor.”

“Travis is another guard who works hard at all aspects of his game and is a great teammate,” said Schnatz. “He should have a bright future here at PNC.”

Schnatz believes this is the most talented and well-rounded recruiting class since he's been at PNC, including four years as an assistant. He expects these student-athletes to help lead the way in building a competitive basketball program.

Schnatz will be joined on the sideline this year by second year assistant Jace Thompson.

This year's schedule will provide a variety of challenges for the Panthers including opponents from NCAA DI, DII, DIII as well as NAIA D I, DII.

The Purdue University North Central basketball program has made community service a priority this season. Primarily, head coach Kris Schnatz hopes to enhance the collegiate experience for their student-athletes and to promote the benefits of being community activists.

Schnatz, entering his third season leading the program, has also stressed the importance of teamwork both on and off the court.

“We always discuss the importance of setting good examples, making good decisions and getting involved in community events,” said Schnatz.

“This season our students have raised the bar and set new standards for our program,” added Schnatz. “Our guys have enjoyed themselves and truly feel good about what they have accomplished in such a short time. I believe this team is focused on improving all aspects of our program and am extremely proud of them. We are looking forward to 2009-10 season and hope to make an impact both on and off the court.” said Coach Schnatz.

Furthermore, the Panther basketball team is a key component of the Champion of Character initiative of the NAIA and the PNC athletic department. The initiative stresses integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, servant leadership.

Below is a list of some of the community events the basketball team has supported:

August 19, 2009 - Eight members of the Panther Basketball Program assisted in the Chesterton, IN Tornado clean-up.

September 12, 2009 - 10 members of the Panther Basketball Program assisted in the Valparaiso, IN Popcorn Festival Parade and volunteered at “The Courts of NWI Foul Shot Challenge” booth.

September 19, 2009 - 21 members of the Panther Basketball Program joined the Pack-A-Thon in Valparaiso, IN assisting in packing gift bags for the 2009 Chicago Marathon to benefit Opportunity Enterprises.

October 10, 2009 - 20 members of the Panther Basketball Program hosted a Free Basketball Clinic at The Courts of NWI for children between 3 rd grade and 8 th grade.

October 12, 2009 - 14 members of the Panther Basketball Program used their fall break to spread the word throughout La Porte, IN that the Panthers have a new home…The La Porte Civic Auditorium! The Panthers went door to door in downtown La Porte promoting their new HOME venue, their upcoming home opener on Friday October 30 th at 7pm, and their upcoming season (including 11 home games).

The Purdue University North Central basketball program had an outstanding turnout yesterday morning when 96 children took part in a free two-hour basketball clinic at The Courts of Northwest Indiana in Valparaiso. PNC hosted the event to give 3rd through 8th graders an opportunity to learn basketball fundementals and skills while familiarizing themselves with the Panther basketball team.

“We are so excited to be part of this community at The Courts that we wanted to introduce ourselves in a positive way," said head basketball coach Kris Schnatz.. "We want the young athletes that see us here on a daily basis learn more about us and what we represent as a program."

PNC was joined by Coach Jerry Bechtold and his Little Dribblers organization as well as Andrew Wallen and his staff from Integrated Movement. Bechtold hosts Ball Handling Clinics each month at The Courts.

“This clinic gave the kids a unique experience to work on all aspects of the game of basketball," said Schnatz.. "Coach Bechtold and his crew are always fun to watch and I think the kids enjoyed that segment of the clinic.”

“We were also extremely excited to have Integrated Movement as part of our clinic as we believe they offer a quality service to athletes," added Schnatz.. Andrew has spent some time with our student-athletes and we look forward to continuing that relationship with them.”

Overall, the clinic was a success and the PNC Athletics Program looks forward to hosting future events at The Courts.

The Purdue North Central basketball team assisted in the clean-up of the significant storm that caused extensive damage but limited injuries this past Wednesday evening in Chesterton.

The storm, classified as an EF2 Tornado, reached estimated maximum wind speeds of 120 mph. Overall, there were 211 damaged structures with 54 classified as major damage.

Overall, eight different members of the PNC basketball team volunteered their time to assist those in need. Head coach Kris Schnatz was joined by senior Ryan Chambers, junior D.J. Green, sophomores Sean McMullen, Lloyd McBride and Derek Harrell and freshmen Alphonse Futch and Nathaniel Carroll.

The student-athletes helped clear fallen trees, branches and other debris from six different homes throughout the neighborhood. They went from house to house asking if they could help in any way and worked hard to assist homeowners and community members clean up after the storm.

“I am extremely proud of our student-athletes and thank them for their concern and effort,” said Schnatz. “Once I saw the damage I realized we had another opportunity to help our community in a positive way. I sent out a text message asking for volunteers and they were at the scene within an hour.”

“This falls in line with our Champions of Character initiative,” added Director of Athletics John Weber. “This doesn't surprise me as our student-athletes have been leaders on campus and are always the first to volunteer for those who need assistance.”