Sterling, Kan. – The 2015 conference season didn't start as planned for the McPherson College women's basketball team as they fell to Sterling College 91-64. The Bulldogs were smothered on the glass as SC pulled in 62 compared to Mac's 29.
The Lady 'Dogs trailed from the beginning but kept it close; Sterling's lead did not reach double-digits until the four-minute mark but Mac never was able to jump in front. The teams traded baskets for the final few and the halftime score sat at 44-31 in favor of the home team. MC hit on 11-of-29 from the floor and 3-of-10 from the three-point line. The Warriors scored on 17-of-39 field goals and 8-of-13 free throws; they had 29 total rebounds, 12 of which were offensive boards.
SC started the second half hitting five of their first six shots to go up 24 points less than three minutes into the period. McPherson could not recover from that deficit and were only able to pull as close as 16. The Warriors cruised to the 91-64 victory. The Bulldogs made 10-of-27 from the field with just 2-of-9 three balls dropping in. Sterling put in 19-of-41, taking 14 more shots than Mac; another 33 rebounds, 14 offensive were tabbed by the Warriors.
McPherson ended the game making 37.5% (21-of-56) from the floor and counted 5-of-19 threes; they were 17-of-27 from the foul line, 63%. A mere 29 rebounds were gathered by MC with only four coming off the offensive glass. The team also netted 17 turnovers, six assists, five steals, and three blocks. 28 points were scored in the paint for Mac and 27 of their total came from bench players.
Both Bailey Brown and Zatorian Abra scored 15 points for the Lady Bulldogs. Brown dropped in just 4-of-15 from the floor but converted on 7-of-9 free throws; she also had five rebounds. Abra, who was playing on her birthday, went 6-of-8 from the field and 2-of-4 from the stripe. Sunny Smart was able to get her shot going as the junior went 3-of-9 from deep, 1-of-1 from two, and 1-of-3 from the foul line for 12 points.
Mac will look to turn things around at home on January 10th when they host Ottawa University at 5:00 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
