Hastings, Neb. – The McPherson College men's basketball team got off to a slow start in the Hastings College Classic on Friday as they lost 70-58 to host school Hastings College.
The Bulldogs led for the first several minutes but never by more than just a few. HC then put together a 15-2 run which put them ahead 24-12 by the midway point in the opening period. Mac stayed down by double figures for the next 10 minutes but with a couple to go, the 'Dogs got it to 26-35. The Broncos finished the half on an 8-3 run and headed into the locker room up 43-29. McPherson connected on 12-of-31 field goals and was 5-of-8 from deep. HC went 15-of-33 with 7-of-14 three balls falling in their home gym.
In the second, Hastings maintained their 10+ advantage and even increased it to 20 by the nine-minute mark. MC surged late but it wasn't enough as they fell 70-58. 10-of-31 field goals went in for the 'Dogs in the second 20 minutes; 2-of-8 three balls and 7-of-12 free throws fell through. The Broncos shot in 10-of-27 from the floor and 4-of-4 from the charity stripe.
The Bulldogs ended the night hitting 22-of-62 from the field and were 7-of-16 from behind the arc; they knocked down just 46.7% from the foul line, 7-of-15. The team pulled in 30 rebounds, 11 less than Hastings. Mac also tabulated 17 turnovers which is their second highest this season.
Darius Hill led McPherson in scoring with his 18; he was 9-of-15 from the floor and also tallied a team-high 10 rebounds. DeAndre Henson counted 4-of-11 from the field with three coming from range for his 11 points.
The Bulldogs will take on Doane College tomorrow, the 29th of November, at 2:00 p.m. (CT) in their final game of the classic.
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McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
