Columbia, Mo. – The McPherson College men's basketball team went on the road Saturday, and picked up a huge non-conference win 86-81 over the Columbia College Cougars, a traditional powerhouse in the NAIA.
It was a good shooting night for the Bulldogs, who finished the game shooting 50% from the floor on 28 of 56 shots, and 40% from beyond the arc, knocking down 11 of 27 attempts. On defense, they held the Cougars to 40% from the floor, and 34% from deep.
The first half was back and forth with three ties and nine lead changes. The largest lead for the Cougars was eight at the 15:30 mark, and for the Bulldogs their largest lead came at the end of the half 47-40. After the break, the Bulldogs came out and put the screws to the Cougars. They quickly turned their seven point halftime lead past the double digit mark, and by the midway point, they had extended the lead out to 19, 73-54.
Credit the Cougars, they didn't just roll over for the Bulldogs. Over the next three and a half minutes, they went on a 17-2 run and cut the Bulldog lead down to 5, 75-70 with 6:14 remaining in regulation. The rest of the way, the Bulldogs kept the home team at arms' length and held on for a five point victory.
The Bulldogs had four players score in double figures, led by Kemryn Jenkins (Sr. Eminence, Ky.) who finished with 21 points, on 7 of 9 shooting from the floor including 4 of 5 from three point land. He was joined by Josh Rivers (Jr. Midwest City, Okla.), who had 17, Jason Okoro (So. Lagos, Nigeria), with 13, and Fred Watts (Sr. Channelview, Texas), with 10.
"That was a great win for our guys", said Bulldog head coach T.J. Eskildsen. "Columbia is traditionally one of the best NAIA basketball programs in the country, and Coach Brock has another very good team this year. I was proud of the focus and grit our guys showed today. Guys stepped up and made winning plays." He added, "Getting a win definitely makes the 5 hour trip home more enjoyable. Now we need to refocus and get ready for the beginning of conference play against a tough Avila team on Wednesday."
As Coach Eskildsen mentioned, the Bulldogs open up KCAC play on Wednesday, hosting the Avila University Eagles at the Sport Center at 8:00 pm.
MC (86) – Jenkins (21), Rivers (17), Okoro (13), Watts (10), McCrary (8), Shelvin (8), Chestnut (5), Hardison (2), Washington (2).
