Rams’ Magee picks up record for Division II wins

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia University coach Herb Magee became the winningest coach in Division II history Thursday night with a 65-60 victory over Wilmington College.

Magee earned his 829th victory and moved past Winston-Salem State coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines. Magee has a career record of 829-323 with 21 NCAA tournament appearances and a national championship in 1969-70.

“Basketball can be a tough sport,” said the 65-year-old Magee, who ranks sixth in victories among all NCAA men’s coaches. “It’s not easy to win.”

The Rams (16-5) rallied from a seven-point deficit against winless Wilmington (0-21) to pull out the victory.

“Give credit to Wilmington. I think our kids maybe were bothered some by all the talk,” Magee said. “They got it done. I’m proud of them. It’s a great night for myself, my family and this program.”

Just when it seemed as if Wilmington would play the role of spoiler, Philadelphia senior center Christian Burns responded.

Burns had a career-high 34 points and added 17 rebounds.

“I wanted this for Coach so badly,” Burns said. “I didn’t want him answering questions for the next five days about why we didn’t get it done.”