Wichita, Kan. – The McPherson College men's basketball team suffered their second loss in a row, falling on the Saturday to the Friends University Falcons 91-81.
The Bulldogs trailed the Falcons at the break 42-37. In the second half, they were unable to shrink the deficit as the Falcons outscored by five points to extend the lead to 10 points when the clock hit zeros.
There were nine ties, and eight lead changes in the game. The Bulldogs' largest lead was 4 points at the 15:08 mark in the opening half.
Key Statistic:
The Bulldogs struggled shooting the ball in the second half. They were just 31% from the floor, and 25% from behind the arc in the second frame.
By the Numbers:
The Bulldogs won the battle of the boards, out rebounding the Falcons 41 to 39.
MC forced the falcons into 19 turnovers, and turned those miscues into 19 points.
The Bulldogs had four players score in double figures, led by Frederick Watts who found his form and poured in 23 points. He was joined in double figures by Kemryn Jenkins with 20, Josh Rivers with 11, and Rock Hardison, who had a double double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Bulldog Leaders:
Points: Frederick Watts (23)
Rebounds: Rock Hardison (11)
Assists: Gage Maccoy (4)
Steals: Josh Rivers (5)
Blocks: Gage Maccoy (1)
Coaches Quote:
"I thought we played hard again this afternoon. You have to give Friends a lot of credit. They made some big shots and plays down the stretch. I felt like we had opportunities but could just never get over the hump to tie it up or take the lead late. If we keep playing as hard as we have been good things will happen. We just need to keep at it."
Next Up:
With the loss, the Bulldogs are now 4-2 overall, and 2-2 in KCAC play. They will get another tough test on Wednesday next week, when they go on the road again, this time to take on the Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes. Tip-off in Salina is slated for 3:00 pm.
