McPherson, Kan. – It was a very low scoring contest between McPherson College and Northern New Mexico College in game one of the Johnson & Wales University Classic. A mere 99 total points were scored in the 40-minute contest. The Lady 'Dogs were able to muster up less than half of those points, losing 52-47.
It took nearly 10 minutes for either team to hit double-digits as both squads struggled to make shots and hold on to the ball. After leading 18-12 with under six minutes to play in the opening period, MC withstood a NNMC run and ended the half up 26-22.
Both Mac and Northern New Mexico ended the half making 7-of-29 from the field; the 'Dogs were 0-of 6 from deep but 12-of-18 from the stripe whereas the Eagles drained 4-of-13 three balls and 4-of-11 foul shots.
In the second half, NNMC was hitting their shots early and McPherson was not. The Eagles quickly got out to a four-point lead on the shoulders of an 8-0 run. The Bulldogs trailed for most of the half but took the lead with two minutes to play at 44-43. On the next possession, the Eagles went on top again and didn't relinquish their lead for the rest of the game. A three-point bucket by Mac as time expired brought the final to 52-47 NNMC.
It was another poor shooting half for the Lady 'Dogs as they saw just 8-of-30 field goals drop in; they were 1-of-6 from deep but a perfect 4-of-4 from the charity stripe. Northern New Mexico made 10-of-28 field goals for a 35.7 shooting percentage; they were 2-of-7 from distance and also perfect at the line (8-of-8)
For the game, McPherson scored on 15-of-59 from the floor and just 1-of-12 from downtown; they converted on 72.7% of their foul shots, making 16-of-22. The team had 53 total rebounds, 20 on the offensive end, along with 10 seals, six assists, and 26 turnovers. 24 of MC's point total came from bench players and 16 were second chance points.
Sunny Smart led the team in both points and rebounds with 11 apiece; she was 5-of-13 from the field with one three ball. Bailey Brown scored nine as did Alicia Demerat; Brown hit double figures in rebounding with 10 boards, four offensive.
The Lady Bulldogs will take on the host of the Johnson & Wales University Classic on Saturday 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.
