McPherson, Kan. – After leading 34-25 at halftime, a 3-of-24 second half for McPherson College allowed Haskell Indian Nations University to claw back and ultimately defeat the Bulldogs 56-51.
MC went down early but a 16-4 run put them up midway through the first half; the lead reached 13 for the 'Dogs and, on the shoulders of Sunny Smart's three pointers, stayed up double figures for most of the final 10 minutes. The last points of the half pulled the Indians within nine as they headed into the locker room down 34-25. Mac was 11-of-27 from the floor, 5-of-11 from distance, and 7-of-10 from the stripe in the opening 20 minutes. HINU knocked down just 8-of-28 and didn't see any of their eight three balls go down.
The second half started off well for McPherson as Smart hit her fifth three ball of the night in the first minute. However, the Lady Bulldogs made just two more field goals for the final 19 minutes. Mac held on to their lead for the next five minutes but Haskell continued to push and eventually jumped in front. HINU never led by more than seven but it was enough as the Bulldogs' struggles from the field kept them out of the game. MC finished the half shooting in a mere 3-of-24 from the floor; the Indians were 8-of-24 in the second period.
The 'Dogs went 14-of-51 in the contest (27.5%); they bucketed 6-of-19 three balls (31.6%) and 17-of-24 free throws (70.8%). Mac hauled in 45 rebounds including 18 offensive boards, most of which came in the first half; they turned the ball over 27 times while accruing 13 assists and eight steals.
Scoring a team-high 18 points was Bailey Brown as the junior went 4-of-12 from the floor and 10-of-14 from the charity stripe; she also had nine rebounds. Smart recorded a double-double with her 15 points, 5-of-13 from deep, and 11 rebounds; she also led the team in assists and steals with three apiece.
McPherson's final game before Thanksgiving break comes next Tuesday, November 25th as they host Oklahoma Wesleyan University at 6:00 p.m. (CT)
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McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
