McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College men's basketball team improved to 7-16 on the year after defeating Bethel College 80-61 on Wednesday night. The win snaps a four-game losing skid for the 'Dogs.
"This was a great team win," said Coach Swartzendruber. "The big key was rebounding. We were outstanding on the glass. I'm proud of our guys and the fact we keep working hard every day to improve."
The Bulldogs started strong. They got up early and stayed ahead throughout the first half. The team's lead reached double-digits by the six-minute mark and Mac headed into the break up 38-24. MC shot in 16-of-40 field goals with 4-of-9 dropping from deep. Bethel counted just 7-of-26 from the floor, 26.9%, and went 0-of-4 from behind the arc; the team made it to the foul line often where they converted on 10-of-17. Darius Hill of McPherson scored 18 points in the opening half, draining 9-of-13 field goals.
In the second, Mac continued to lead by double figures but an 8-1 run by the Threshers drew the scoring margin down to five with 13:35 on the clock. After trading baskets for the next few, McPherson regained their composure and stayed ahead by 10+ for the final 10 minutes. The 'Dogs were able to coast to an 80-61 triumph. An even 16-of-32 field goals fell through for MC with 4-of-11 threes finding the bottom of the net; they went 6-of-9 from the charity stripe. BC hit on 13-of-29 but missed all four three balls; they were 11-of-12 from the line.
For the game, McPherson connected on 32-of-72 from the floor, 44.4%; they saw 8-of-20 three balls and 8-of-13 free throws make their way in. An eye-popping 50 rebounds were tallied by the 'Dogs with 16 coming off the offensive glass. An equally impressive 21 assists were recorded by Mac; they also had just eight turnovers, four assists, and a pair of blocks. The team scored 50 points in the paint, 19 of the total were second chance buckets, and the reserves scored 23 for the Bulldogs.
Hill ended the night scoring 30 points on 14-of-20 field goals and 2-of-6 foul shots; he grabbed a team-high 13 rebounds and also had a pair of assists. TJ Grant scored 16 on 5-of-11 shooting with four coming from beyond the arc; he was 2-of-2 from the stripe and also logged a career-high eight assists. Louis Parker III recorded his first double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Kyle Lakin had a perfect day as he dropped 3-of-3 threes and 2-of-2 free throws for his 11 points; the junior had four assists and three rebounds for the 'Dogs.
Mac will next take on Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas. The two teams are set to square off at 7:00 p.m. (CT) on January 31st in Mabee Arena.
Make sure to follow Bulldog Nation on Facebook (MCathletics) and Twitter (@MAC_Bulldogs)
McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
