Sterling, Kan. – It was a full team effort for the Bulldogs on Thursday as they took down Sterling College 72-57 on the road. The starters for MC accounted for 32 of the team's total while the bench provided 40 points
After a slow go in the opening minutes, McPherson made a push, going on a 17-2 run to take a 33-19 lead; the 'Dogs used some big time three-point buckets to help them jump in front. MC maintained their double-digit advantage throughout the rest of the half and headed into the locker room ahead 36-23. Mac dropped in 50% from the field in the first, going 13-of-26 with 7-of-10 three balls finding their way through; they made just 3-of-6 from the line. Sterling had a rough time shooting, counting 10-of-33 from the floor with 2-of-14 from range; they hit a mere 1-of-7 free throws.
In the second half, the Bulldogs stayed out in front throughout. There were a couple instances where it looked like Sterling would make a move back into the game but the solid outside shooting by MC kept the Warriors at bay. When the final buzzer sounded, the 'Dogs took the game 72-57. McPherson connected on 11-of-36 from the floor with 7-of-19 from distance; they were a perfect 7-of-7 from the stripe. SC went 12-of-28 shooting including 1-of-7 from behind the arc; the team netted 9-of-14 free throws. The Bulldog D held Sterling's top scorer to zero points on 0-of-8 shooting.
At the end of the night, Mac hit on 24-of-67 from the floor and a solid 14-of-29 from the three-point line, 48.3%; the team counted 10-of-13 free throws. MC pulled in 41 rebounds including 11 on the offensive glass; they tallied 17 turnovers, 12 assists, and six steals. 40 points came from the bench for the 'Dogs and just 14 were scored in the paint.
Chris Crook led Mac in scoring with 20 on 5-of-14 field goals and 8-of-9 free throws; 16 of his total points came in the second half. Dee Roberts netted 17 points, making 5-of-8 threes as well as a two-point bucket. DeAndre Henson came from the bench to score his 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Reed Rowell pulled in 13 boards to go with his four points.
The final game of 2015-16, the Bulldogs will host the University of Saint Mary on Saturday the 20th; the game will be Senior Night as the team celebrates their lone senior in Kyle Lakin. The JV men will kick off the day with a 12:00 p.m. (CT) game against Central Christian College; the varsity contest with the Spires is set for a 5:00 start.
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McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
