Winfield, Kan. – After a very impressive first half by McPherson, the nationally ranked Southwestern College Moundbuilders proved too much for MC as the Lady 'Dogs lost 76-68. MC is now two games back of eighth place with just two to go.
The opening 20 minutes were a battle to say the least; there were nine lead changes and two ties between the two teams and the largest score-margin was only six points. McPherson scored the final five points and took a 37-33 lead into the visitor's locker room. The Bulldogs shot the ball very well as they made 14-of-26 field goals with 5-of-11 falling from distance. Southwestern went 14-of-37 with just 4-of-18 from behind the arc; they had 12 offensive rebounds in the first half.
In the second, MC held on for the first five minutes but an 11-2 run by the Builders put the team ahead nine with 12 minutes to play. The Bulldogs kept their deficit in single-digits for the next several minutes but the perimeter shooting of SWC was too much; the gap reached its peak of 14 with less than five to play. McPherson got as close as six but was unable to knock off the KCAC's No. 2 team. Mac cooled off in the second as they counted 12-of-34 from the floor with 3-of-11 threes going in. Southwestern went 13-of-29 in the game's final 20 minutes; they made 4-of-11 threes and 13-of-21 free throws.
MC ended the game making 43.3% from the floor, 26-of-60, and dropped in 8-22 from behind the arc; they made 8-of-13 free throws. The team grabbed 36 rebounds with just six offensive; they allowed 17 offensive boards to the Builders. Mac had an even 15 assists and 15 turnovers along with 10 steals and three blocks.
Sunny Smart scored a team-high18 points on 4-of-7 threes and 1-of-3 twos along with a perfect 4-of-4 free throws; she recorded six rebounds and five assists, both led the Bulldogs. Bailey Brown netted 17 points on 6-of-14 field goals and 3-of-5 foul shots; she tabbed five boards, five steals, and three assists. Megan Acklin dropped in 4-of-9 field goals for eight points.
The 'Dogs have two home games to finish the 2014-15 regular season; they are set to take on Friends University on February 19th 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
