Ottawa, Kan. – For the second year in a row, the McPherson College men's basketball team went on the road and took down the Ottawa University Braves, when they were nationally ranked. This year the Bulldogs defeated the 14th ranked Braves in double overtime 103-99.
The Bulldogs led by eight at the halftime intermission, 45-37. In the second half the Braves caught fire from behind the three point arc, and erased the halftime deficit. The Bulldogs led by four points with less than 45 seconds remaining in regulation, but three turnovers down the stretch allowed the Braves to tie the game and it into overtime.
In a strange series of events, the Bulldogs were assessed a technical foul after time ran out in regulation so the Braves started the overtime session with a pair of free throws. The Bulldogs bounced back and again led the overtime session by six points with under a minute to play. The Braves his back to back three pointers, the second as time ran out to force a second overtime session.
Finally in the second overtime session, the Braves cooled down, and the Bulldogs were able to make their free throws down the stretch to hold off Braves by four.
Key Statistic
The Bulldogs dominated the boards winning the rebound battle 54 to 38.
By the Numbers
The Bulldogs hit 14 three pointers from six different players.
The Bulldogs forced the Braves into 18 turnovers, and turned those miscues into 25 points.
Three Bulldogs scored in double figures led by Ja'Quan Chestnut (Jr. Myrtle Beach, S.C.) with 28.
Bulldog Leaders
Points: Ja'Quan Chestnut (28)
Rebounds: Fred Watts (10)
Assists: Josh Rivers (4)
Steals: Jason Okoro (3)
Blocks: Josh Rivers (2)
Coach Quote
"I'm so proud of these guys tonight. That was a hard fought win in a tough environment over a great team in Ottawa. It seemed as though both teams just kept making plays the whole game. Ja'Quan Chestnut had his best game in a Bulldog uniform. Josh Rivers gave us some gutsy minutes at the point. Kemryn Jenkins made some huge shots that seniors are supposed to make. After such a tough stretch with five games in a row on the road we could have easily been flat and ready for Christmas break. Our TOUGHNESS definitely showed as a group tonight."
Next Up
The Bulldogs are off now until January 4 when they open up the New Year on the road at Bethany College.
