Box Score MANHATTAN, Kan. (macbulldogs.com) ---
Chris Crook (Oklahoma City, Okla.) and
Aaron Bachura (Wilsey, Kan.) each scored 15 points to lead five players in double figures as the McPherson College men's basketball team picked up an 83-78 road win at Manhattan Christian College to open the season Tuesday.
The Bulldogs (1-0) led 50-39 at halftime and 63-52 midway through the second half before the Thunder (0-2) mounted a late charge to close the gap.
Crook hit four field goals, including a pair of 3-pointers, off the bench and was 5-of-6 at the free throw line. Bachura finished with five field goals, including a team-leading three treys, and was a perfect 2-for-2 at the line.
Grant Raleigh (Hesston, Kan.) added 14 points on four field goals and 6-of-7 shooting from the stripe, while
DeAndre Henson (Aberdeen, Md.) and
Reed Rowell (Topeka, Kan.) had 11 and 10, respectively. Joining Crook as a key contributor off the bench was
Careino Gurley (Minneapolis, Minn.), who finished with eight points.
McPherson finished 18-of-23 at the free throw line.
Sterling Turner led Manhattan Christian with a game-high 19 points behind three 3-pointers and 4-of-4 shooting at the line. Chance Howton added 17 and Mike White had 16.
"It was a solid first game," said head coach
Tim Swartzendruber. "Manhattan Christian has the most talent I've seen since we have played them. They are athletic and can shoot. We did a great job down the stretch hitting free throws and getting some key stops."
The Bulldogs open the home portion of the 2016-2017 schedule with the McPherson Classic this Friday and Saturday. McPherson welcomes Bacone College, Bethel College and Haskell Indian Nations University to the Sport Center with the Bulldogs facing Haskell at 8 p.m. Friday and Bacone at 6 p.m. Saturday.
