OSKALOOSA — The William Penn men’s basketball team erased an early deficit and closed strong to secure a 73–70 comeback victory over MidAmerica Nazarene in Heart of America Athletic Conference action Saturday.

The Statesmen (12–5, 6–3 Heart) fell behind quickly, surrendering a 17–2 opening run to MidAmerica Nazarene (9–8, 4–5 Heart). William Penn regrouped and found its rhythm with a 20–7 surge to cut the gap to 24–22. Eight unanswered points by the Pioneers briefly restored momentum before the Statesmen answered with an 11–4 run, heading into halftime trailing just 36–30.

MidAmerica Nazarene carried that momentum into the second half, extending its lead to 43–32, but William Penn steadily chipped away. A three-pointer from Ryan Robinson (Sr., Chicago, Ill., Business Management) sparked the breakthrough as the Navy and Gold began to seize control. After a brief setback put MNU back in front 57–54, the Statesmen responded with a decisive 15–3 run, pulling ahead 73–67 and holding on through the final horn.

William Penn shot 39.7 percent from the field and 26.5 percent from three-point range. While the Pioneers posted higher shooting percentages (42.1 percent overall, 35.7 percent from deep), the Statesmen capitalized on additional scoring opportunities.

Foday Sheriff (Jr., Upper Darby, Pa., Business Management) led the way with 21 points and 10 rebounds, recording his seventh double-double of the season. Alif Bass (Jr., Newark, N.J., Sports Management) added 15 points, Javion Belle-McCrary (Sr., Reform, Ala., Sports Management) chipped in 13, and Daivion Boleware (Jr., Jackson, Mich., Psychology) finished with 11 points. Boleware and Chase Page (Sr., Melbourne, Australia, Business Management) each grabbed six rebounds.

Both teams finished with 41 rebounds, though William Penn held a 17–13 edge on the offensive glass. The Statesmen also excelled in the turnover battle, committing just four turnovers while forcing 11, leading to a 16–6 advantage in points off turnovers. William Penn’s presence in the paint proved pivotal, outscoring the Pioneers 44–27.

“Such a great win for us! So happy for these players, they fought and earned this game,” said Head Coach John Henry. “Everyone one of the 8 guys we had tonight made plays!”