Statement Win: Aces Pound Penncrest 72-43

 "Coach always tells us the first five minutes of the third period are the most important," said Aces senior guard Mike Buckwald in the Penncrest visiting locker room moments after Lower Merion wrapped up their third game of the season. "I guess we listened."

They sure did. Lower Merion outscored Penncrest 30-14 in the crucial period on their way to a 72-43 drubbing of their Central League rival. The now 2-1 Aces were led in scoring by Buckwald and forward Eric Green, who contributed 17 each.

"We're excited after this one," said Aces head coach, and soon-to-be Hall of Famer, Gregg Downer of his 380th career victory. "In games like this there's usually a split. You either go on a run to start the third, or it goes the other way and the game will be tight. It went our way tonight."

The Aces weren't exactly slouches either before their third period explosion. Thanks to Green's inside muscle and some slick outside shooting by Buckwald and BJ Johnson, the Aces raced out to a 22-10 lead mid-second period. They pushed the cushion to 14 when guard Matt McKenna shook a defender with a stutter-step and hit a floater in the lane.

They also played, as usual, stifling defense. They held the Lions to only 14 first half points and through the seasons' first three games have allowed under 44 per night.

Much of their defensive success hinges on energy and effort. The Aces aren't simply a virtuous bunch that outworks opponents, they're also better rested.

"We feel like we have a lot of depth, and we use it to wear teams down" Downer explained. "We go ten deep."

A well-rested Mike Buckwald opened the third period with a steal he took in for two, and was matched a moment later by a deuce from Green. The Aces never looked back.

"We wanted to make a statement," said Green after his career-best night. "We knew we could and we did. We owe it all to the coaches."

A nice sentiment, but some of it they owe to themselves.

"I worked on it all off-season," said Buckwald of the three-point stroke that served him so well. "I shot a lot of balls."

The Aces play Garnet Valley Dec. 21 in Glenn Mills.