Men's Basketball | 11/6/2009 12:00:00 AM
Box Score Lawrence, Kan. – Three McPherson College players scored in double figures while the defense forced 26 Haskell turnovers as the Bulldogs cruised to a 90-71 win over the Indians of Haskell Indian Nations University in the men’s basketball season opener on Thursday night.
“Overall, I was really pleased with our defense,” said McPherson head coach Tim Swartzendruber. “We created a lot of turnovers, which in turn created transitions baskets for us. I thought we had great play off the bench and that will be a key for us all year.”
McPherson cruised from the opening tipoff, jumping out to an early 19-8 lead off a Mike Reece three-pointer with 13:50 left in the first half. Haskell cut the lead to 35-29 with 2:50 left in the half, however, the Bulldogs would score the next six to pull back to a 12 point lead.
Haskell’s pressure defense frustrated the Bulldogs to start the second half, cutting the McPherson lead to four 46-42, but McPherson’s consistent offensive attack once again prevailed as the Bulldogs extended their lead back to double digits at 63-38 on a Marlon Dominique layup.
The Bulldogs extended their lead to as large as 24 points, 83-59, at the 6:02 mark. The lead proved to be too much for the Indians who were never able to get closer than 13 the rest of the way.
Mike Reece led three McPherson players in double figures with 23 points as the senior connected on 9-of-13 from the floor, including 2-of-3 from beyond the three-point arch.
Marlon Dominique connected for 17 (4-of-8), while Antowine Lamb finished just shy of a double-double with 14 points (6-of-11) and nine rebounds.
McPherson shot 47.2 percent from the floor (34-of-72) while holding Haskell to 36.4 percent (24-of-66) from the field.
The Bulldogs tallied 18 steals on the night as senior guard Marlon Dominique led McPherson with four.
Jimmy Wilkett led the Indians with 16 points while D.J. Fish (15 points) and Dominic Clichee (11 points) were the only other Haskell players in double figures.
McPherson’s next test is against the defending champion and No. 1 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles Saturday afternoon at the McPherson Sport Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
