McPherson, Kan. – It was a very good game on Thursday night in the Sport Center as the McPherson College men's team took on Bethany College. A late comeback from the Bulldogs put them ahead late but Mac could not hold on, eventually falling 85-77.
The two squads traded the lead throughout the first half with each holding it for a few possessions then giving it back to the other. A total of 11 lead changes and seven ties were recorded in the game's opening 20 minutes and the visiting Swedes went into the locker room leading 36-35; three points was the furthest either team was from the other. McPherson netted 14-of-31 from the floor with 5-of-11 three balls dropping in; they made both of their foul shots. BC dropped in 14 field goals as well while attempting 36; they counted 4-of-10 threes and 4-of-6 free throws.
The Swedes scored the first couple buckets of the second half and pushed their lead to double-digits before the 15-minute mark. The Bulldogs were not fazed as they surged back into the game and pulled within a basket just a few possessions later. After playing catchup for most of the period, Mac went on an 8-0 run to take the lead with six minutes to play, 71-70. Unfortunately, McPherson then went cold from the field allowing BC to jump back in front and they increased their advantage to six less than 60 seconds later. The 'Dogs stayed close but still struggled to knock down shots, allowing Bethany to increase their lead. The Swedes hit their free throws in the closing minutes to take the 85-77 victory. MC scored on 13-of-33 in the second with 8-of-16 three balls falling through; they connected on 8-of-11 from the charity stripe. Bethany put in 50% of their 28 field goals with 5-of-8 dropping from range; they only missed one of their 17 foul shots.
McPherson shot in 42.2% for the game, 27-of-64; they were 13-of-27 from downtown, 48.1%, and 10-of-13 from the line. The team pulled in 35 rebounds including 12 offensive; the 'Dogs tallied an even 16 turnovers and 16 assists along with eight steals, and four blocks. 26 points were scored in the paint for MC, 19 came off of Bethany turnovers, 17 were on the fast break, and the bench tallied 17 as well.
Chris Crook scored his career-high 31 points on 10-of-18 field goals including 5-of-8 from range; he was a perfect 6-of-6 from the line and also had four rebounds. Aaron Bachura had solid game for Mac, going 7-of-15 from the floor with 5-of-8 from deep; he pulled down seven rebounds as well.
The Bulldogs will take on the KCAC leading Tabor College Bluejays on Saturday in the Sport Center; start time for the JV is 3:00 p.m. (CT) with the varsity set for 7:00. Prior to the varsity contest, McPherson College will reveal the winning design of the 'Design the Bulldog' contest. All Bulldog fans in attendance will get a free t-shirt showcasing the new Bulldog logo.
Make sure to follow Bulldog Nation on Facebook (MCathletics) and Twitter (@MAC_Bulldogs)
McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
