Men's Basketball | 1/27/2011 10:34:39 PM
Box Score
Box Score
McPherson, Kan. – The Bulldogs shot a season-best 51.4 percent from the floor, including a 61.1 percent success rate in the second period to cruise to an 81-48 victory over Ottawa University Thursday night at the McPherson Sport Center.
The victory improved McPherson to 11-11 on the season and 5-6 in league play, while the Braves fall to 6-15 overall and 3-8 in the KCAC.
Four Bulldogs ended the night in double figures led by sophomore forward Mason Hewitt (Norwich, Kan.), who tallied a career-high 18 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the field, while fellow front court mate Jordan Crawford (McPherson, Kan.) registered his third double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard Trent Severs (Inman, Kan.) set a career-best with 10 assists, including six in the second half.
A pair of Chase Dippel three-pointers sparked a 12-3 OU run to open the contest, but the Braves success was short lived as the Bulldogs scored on back-to-back possessions, including a Samson Shivers three-pointer to cut the deficit to 12-9 with 14:05 left. Ottawa would add a pair of free throws before the Bulldogs blew the game open with a 16-4 run to take a 25-18 lead at the 3:38 mark of the first period. Hewitt tallied eight of MC’s 16 points during the stretch.
The two sides traded scores into the break with McPherson holding a 33-24 advantage. The Bulldogs shot a respectable 41.2 percent (14-of-34) from the field, but were just 2-of-11 from beyond the arc. Despite their struggles from long range, MC outscored the Braves, 24-12, over the final 14 minutes of the half. Hewitt led the Bulldogs with 10 first half points.
Much like the first period, Ottawa would jump out early with a pair of baskets to cut McPherson’s lead down to seven, 35-23, but it was all Bulldogs from that point on as McPherson outscored Ottawa 48-24 in the period en route to the 33-point victory.
In the second half, McPherson shot 61.1 percent (22-of-36) from the field, while holding OU to just 36.0 percent (9-of-25).
For the game, the Bulldogs defense forced 19 OU turnovers, as MC tallied 24 points off turnovers. The Braves were held to just 31.5 percent (17-of-54) shooting from the field. Dippel, who entered the game as OU’s leading scorer with a 14.5 points per game average, was held to a near season low six points.
Corey Tate led Ottawa in scoring with 12 points.
McPherson returns to action on Saturday, January 29 when they travel to Bethel College. Tipoff between the Bulldogs and Threshers is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. inside Thresher Gymnasium.
