McPherson, Kan. – The ball just didn't want to go through the net for McPherson College on Saturday night in their matchup with Baker University. A 19-point deficit at halftime was extended to 24 after the second, resulting in an 83-59 loss. The 'Dogs are 6-12 on the season and 0-1 in the New Year.
MC had a solid first five minutes but then went ice cold from the field. After leading 12-9 at the 15-minute mark, the Bulldogs scored just 14 more points the rest of the period. Baker totaled 45 points for the half as they led 45-26 at the break. Mac netted just 9-of-33 from the floor with 4-of-16 threes; they were a perfect 4-of-4 from the line. The Wildcats made 15-of-29 field goals which included 8-of-15 from range; the team did not miss from the charity stripe, knocking down all seven tries.
In the second half, the shooting woes continued for McPherson; the team didn't hit a three-point bucket until there was just five minutes remaining. With both teams playing their bench players in the last six minutes, MC took a 37-point deficit to 24 which is where the game ended, 83-59. The Bulldogs counted 10-of-36 from the field and made just 3-of-19 from deep; they went 10-of-11 from the stripe. BU continued their solid night shooting, making 15-of-30 from the floor with 5-of-11 from behind the arc; they also missed one free throw, going 3-of-4.
The 'Dogs shot in 19-of-69 in the game, 27.5%, with 7-of-35 threes going through, 20%; they made all but one foul shot, 14-15. MC pulled in 35 rebounds including 14 off the offensive glass. The team had 15 turnovers, 10 assists, nine steals, and three blocks. 26 points came in the paint while 20 were scored off of turnovers and 17 from bench players.
For the first time this season, Aaron Bachura led the 'Dogs in scoring with his 19 points on 7-of-19 from the floor and 3-of-3 from the line. Chris Crook tallied 11 points on 3-of-12 field goals and 5-of-6 free throws. Chris Lowe came on strong late in the game to score his 10 points; the freshman made 3-of-7 from the field including both his three pointers and he also hit his two free throws. Scoring eight points was junior Ryan O'Hara on 3-of-6 field goals; the transfer led the team in assists with eight and rebounds with four.
McPherson will take some time off before they return to action as their next game isn't until January 9th when they host Sterling College; tipoff for the JV is set for 3:00 p.m. (CT) with varsity set for 7:00.
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McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
