McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College women's basketball team didn't have enough fire power on Saturday night against Ottawa University as they lost 64-52. MC is now 2-16 for the year and 1-5 against the KCAC.
The Bulldogs held the lead for most of the opening half as they took advantage of Ottawa's poor shooting; Mac led by as many as five in the early goings. Just eight points were scored in the final six minutes; unfortunately for McPherson, the Lady Braves scored six of those and led 25-21 at the break. 10-of-34 field goals dropped for MC with just 1-of-14 three balls finding their way through. Ottawa didn't fare much better as a mere 7-of-30 attempts fell in; the Braves did connect on 10-of-15 free throws in the first 20 minutes.
OU maintained their slim lead for the first five minutes of the second period but an 8-0 run put them up 11, the first double-digit advantage for either team. The 'Dogs pushed back and got it down to eight again but trailed by 10+ for the final 12 minutes. Ottawa held off a late charge and walked away with the 12-point victory, 64-52. Mac only attempted 29 field goals in the second half and made nine; they were 2-of-10 from deep and 11-of-14 from the stripe. The Lady Braves also took 29 shots from the floor but were able to make 12; they went 2-of-9 from behind the arc and an impressive 13-of-16 from the foul line.
McPherson scored on 19-of-57 for the night; they made a poor 3-of-24 from range and counted 11-of-16 free throws. The team tabbed 38 rebounds with 11 offensive boards. They also logged 21 turnovers, 12 assists, a remarkable 12 blocks, and eight steals. 39 of Mac's total were scored in the paint and 13 came from bench players.
Leading the scoring for the Bulldogs was Bailey Brown who dropped in 16 points on 6-of-14 field goals and 4-of-6 free throws; she had eight rebounds and a team-high three steals. Sunny Smart bucketed 5-of-12 from the floor and both of her foul shots for her 15 points. Alicia Demaret was one rebound away from a unique double-double as she recorded a career-high and McPherson College record 10 blocks; the freshman broke a seven-year old record.
Another home contest awaits MC as they host Southwestern College on January 15th; the JV will compete at 4:00 p.m. (CT) with varsity getting underway at 6:00.
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McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
