Men's Basketball | 1/13/2011 11:22:06 PM
Box Score
Box Score
Lindsborg, Kan. – Chaos during the final possession forced the Bulldogs to heave a last second three-pointer that fell just short, as the McPherson College men’s basketball team’s comeback attempt fell just short, 81-78, against Bethany College Thursday night at Hahn Gymnasium.
With the loss, McPherson falls to 8-10 on the season and 2-5 in KCAC play, while Bethany improved to 7-10 overall and 5-2 in league play.
In the first half, the Bulldogs opened a fast-paced period with an 11-0 run to force a Bethany timeout just three minutes into the contest. However, the Swedes battled back, but it was McPherson who took at 42-39 lead into the break.
McPherson was paced in the period by hot shooting from the floor, as they connected on 51.7 percent (15-of-29) attempts, including 6-of-11 from beyond the three-point line. Freshman guard Samson Shivers (Houston, Texas) put together arguably one of his best periods of the season with 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including three three-point baskets.
Bethany quickly tied the score, 44-44, following a Haydon Parks three-pointer and Vincent Ferguson hook shot to open the half. A small run would extend the Bulldog lead back out to nine, but again the Swedes would answer to take a 68-67 lead with a little less than eight minutes remaining.
Despite their efforts, foul trouble made so the Bulldogs could not take the advantage on the scoreboard as MC’s last second three-point attempt fell just short.
McPherson finished the night shooting 46.9 percent (30-of-64) from the field, 36.0 percent (9-of-25) from three-point range and 69.2 percent (9-of-13) from the free throw line. Bethany shot 50.0 percent (30-of-60) from the floor and 72.7 percent (16-of-22) from the foul stripe.
Five Bulldogs scored in double figures led by Shivers, who finished the night with a career-high 22 points. Junior forward Jordan Crawford (McPherson, Kan.) was second on the list with 15 points and a team leading seven rebounds, while Adam Bruner (McPherson, Kan.) added 11 and Aaron Frazier (McPherson, Kan.) and Aaron Jackson (Junction City, Kan.) chipped in 10 points, respectively.
The Swedes were led in scoring by Ferguson, who scored 28 points and pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds. Ferguson was 12-of-15 from the field and 4-of-6 from the foul line.
The Bulldogs will look to get back on track on Saturday when they travel to the University of Saint Mary. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
