McPHERSON, Kan. (macbulldogs.com) ---
Louis Parker III (Midwest City, Okla., Midwest City HS) scored a game-high-tying 21 points, but it was not enough as the McPherson College men's basketball team fell to RV Oklahoma Wesleyan University, 82-66, Wednesday night at the Sport Center.
It was the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) opener for both schools.
The Eagles (7-1, 1-0 KCAC) jumped out to an early 8-2 lead, but the Bulldogs (1-4, 0-1 KCAC) would rally to the the score at 13-13 and 18-18. Oklahoma Wesleyan eventually pushed the lead back out to eight points and led by that margin in the waning second of the first half before Parker drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer to make it a 35-30 game at the break.
McPherson (1-4, 0-1 KCAC) opened the second half on an 8-0 run, taking a 38-35 lead with 17:54 to play. After a basket by
Grant Raleigh (Hesston, Kan., Hesston HS) put the Bulldogs ahead 42-39 with 16:32 to play, the Eagles rallied for seven straight points to turn the three-point deficit into a 46-42 lead. The 7-0 run was part of a larger 30-9 run over a span of nearly 11 minutes that allowed Oklahoma Wesleyan to build an 18-point advantage with 5:52 to play. McPherson would cut into the lead slightly down the stretch, getting to within 14 on a layup by Parker in the final seconds, but the Eagles' David Beck made a pair of free throws on their final trip down the floor to set the final margin at 16.
Oklahoma Wesleyan shot nearly 50 percent (32-of-65; 49.2 percent) from the floor compared to just 39.3 percent (24-of-61) for McPherson. The Eagles also held a commanding 44-26 advantage on the boards - including a 15-10 edge on the offensive glass - and outscored the Bulldogs, 42-24, in the paint.
Breiman Alexander matched Parker for game-high honors with 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting with three 3-pointers. He also pulled down three rebounds and had three assists to lead OKWU. Jonathan Jackson was the only other Eagle in double figures, scoring 10 points off the bench. KJ Malveau and Isaac Rowe had nine points apiece, while Rowe and Jervis Hamilton each had a team-leading six rebounds.
Parker got to 21 on 9-of-13 shooting with a pair of 3-pointers. He also pulled down five rebounds and had two steals.
Garrett Owen (Woodward, Okla., Woodward HS) had 12 points, while
Frederick Watts (Houston, Texas, Channelview HS) had 10. Raleigh and
Aaron Bachura (Wilsey, Kan., Council Grove HS) added seven points apiece with Raleigh also dishing our four assists.
Careino Gurley (Minneapolis, Minn., Rochester CTC) was limited to just two points, but had game-highs with seven rebounds and five assists.
"Oklahoma Wesleyan is very talented," said head coach
Tim Swartzendruber. "For 30 minutes, we did a great job. They are tremendous on the offensive glass and push the ball in transition. We need to bounce back and be ready Saturday."
The Bulldogs take to the road for their two outings, continuing KCAC play with games at rivals Tabor on Saturday evening (7 p.m.) and Bethany next Tuesday night (8 p.m.).
