Men's Basketball | 11/8/2009 12:00:00 AM
Box Score McPherson, Kan. – After finding themselves down 15 points at half, the McPherson College men’s basketball team battled back, but the offensive firepower of the No. 1 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles proved too much as the Eagles hung on for an 82-77 victory over the Bulldogs Saturday afternoon at the McPherson College Sport Center.
“Obviously it is disappointing to lose, but I was pleased we came back and made it a game in the second half,” said McPherson head coach Tim Swartzendruber. “I think we showed we are capable of being a very good basketball team. I hope we can keep improving like we did in the second half.”
The win drops the Bulldogs to 1-1 on the season, while the Eagles improve to 2-0.
McPherson shot a dismal 22.2 percent (6-of-27) in the first half, but roared back in the second half, lighting up the scoreboard for 52 second half points on 17-of-35 shooting (48.6%), including 7-of-14 from behind the three point arch.
Three Bulldogs scored in double figures, with senior Mike Reece leading the trio for the second straight game. Reece recorded 18 points, followed by sophomore Aaron Frazier with 15 and senior Marlon Dominique with 12, respectively.
In the opening 20 minutes, the Eagles used a harassing defense to build a 40-25 halftime lead. OKWU jumped out to an early 14-4 run that was answered by the Bulldogs, who tied the game at 16 with 10:29 remaining. However, the Eagles defense held McPherson without a field goal for the remainder of the half building their lead back to 15 points.
The Bulldogs hit a dismal 22.2 percent from the field, but connected on 13-of-17 free throws. McPherson’s offense turned the ball over 12 times, but strong perimeter pressure held the Eagles to a 19 percent (4-of-21) three-point shooting percentage in the first half.
McPherson found their form part way through the second half, ignited by strong defensive pressure by sophomores Michael Darden and Aaron Frazier, the Bulldogs went on a 18-1 run to take a two-point lead, 66-64 with 4:36 remaining.
OKWU guard Steve Briggs ended the run with a three-pointer as OKWU scored seven of the next nine to move in front 71-68 with 3:19 left in the half.
The Eagles were able to hold on to their lead as the Bulldogs went cold from the floor. McPherson hit just two field goals over the final 3:19.
On the night, McPherson shot 37.1 percent from the field (23-of-62), including 7-of-19 from beyond the three point arch. The Bulldogs bench outscored the Eagles 31-11, but the Eagles edged McPherson in three-points, 30-21.
McPherson stays home for their next contest, as the Bulldogs take on Manhattan Christian College on Tuesday. Tip off is to be announced.
