Photo by Jakob Komel
McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College women's basketball team opened up the 2020-21 season with a 77-58 win over crosstown rival Central Christian College.
The game, played in Central's home gymnasium was the third installment of the Mayor's Cup. Traditionally the Mayor's Cup, which began in 2018 has been played at the McPherson High School Round House. This year, with the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the game was played at Central rather than at the neutral site. With the win tonight, the Bulldogs retained the cup for another year, maintaining their dominance over their crosstown rival.
In this year's installment, the Bulldogs got off to a slow start, trailing the Tigers at the end of the 1st quarter 14-11, and at the halftime intermission 30-29. The Bulldogs have a lot of new faces on the roster this year, and it took the first 20 minutes to settle the nerves, and for everyone to get on the same page.
After the break, the Bulldogs got things rolling. They outscored the Tigers 24 to 10 in third quarter, turning that one point halftime deficit into a 13 point lead, 53-40, heading into the final ten minutes of action. In the fourth quarter the Bulldogs kept their foot on the gas, winning the period 24-18 and extending their lead out to 19 points as the final horn sounded.
Statistically, the Bulldogs shot 41% from the floor, making 25 of 40 shots, many of them layups inside the paint. From beyond the arc they were not as proficient, making only 3 of their 16 attempts. From the charity stripe they were a respectable 69%, making 24 of 35 attempts. One of the Bulldogs' strengths the past few seasons has been their work on the glass. Against the Tigers, they dominated the glass, outrebounding Central 52-32.
Individually, the Bulldogs were led by senior All-American Brittany Roberts (Sr. Mansfield, Texas). Roberts, who led the KCAC and nation in double doubles last year, picked up where she left off last February. Tonight she poured in 30 points, 21 in the second half, and hauled in 21 rebounds. Her 21 boards ties the mark for most rebounds in a game, a record that she set last year in a game against Randall University.
Joining Roberts in double figures were Dy'mond McElrath (Jr. Wichita, Kan.) and Ja'Kia Wells (Jr. Mesquite, Texas), who both transferred into the program this season, finished with 11. Maison Moseley (Jr. Woodward, Okla.) finished just outside of the double digit mark with 9.
"We got off to a slow start, dealing with some first game cobwebs", said Head Coach Josh Nichols. In the 3rd quarter we got it rolling. Brittany did Brittany things and wasn't going to let us lose." He added, "Ja'Kia and Victoria [Ates] gave us a real lift off the bench, and Dy'mond and Maison were solid in the backcourt. Our pressure finally wore Central down and we took advantage of the turnovers and that was the difference.
 At 1-0, the Bulldogs will play their home opener on Saturday against the Barclay College Bears. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm at the Sport Center.
 MC (77) – Roberts (30), Wells (11), McElrath (11), Moseley (9), Ates (7), Diaz (4), Branscum (3), Upchurch (2)
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