Lindsborg, Kan. – The McPherson College men's basketball team dropped their first game of the New Year, falling to the Bethany College Swedes on the road 81-75.
Despite a career night from Josh Rivers (Jr. Midwest City, Okla.), who led all scorers with 26 points, the Bulldogs were unable to overcome the Swedes' hot shooting.
The Bulldogs trailed the Swedes by eight at the break, 35-27, but clawed their way back early in the second half. They used a 7-0 run at the start of the half to get back into the game. They even led briefly, a couple of times before the midway point of the half.
Unfortunately the Swedes got hot from behind the arc, and the Bulldogs were unable to maintain any of their leads down the stretch and the Swedes escaped with a six point victory.
Key Statistic
The Swedes shot 52% from the floor, and 42% from beyond the three point arc.
By the Numbers
The Bulldogs shot 43% from the floor and 28% from deep. They made 8 of 28 three pointers 3 of 17 in the first half.
The Bulldogs won both the Rebounding and Turnover battles. They outrebounded the Swedes 34 to 31 and committed 3 fewer turnovers.
Bulldog Leaders
Points: Josh Rivers (26)
Rebounds: Ja'Quan Chestnut (8)
Assists: Josh Rivers, Fred Watts, Kemryn Jenkins (2)
Steals: Josh Rivers (3)
Blocks: Ja'Quan Chestnut, Myles McCrary (1)
Coach Quote
"I thought we looked rusty tonight. Our effort was there for the most part but we needed to be better. I thought Josh Rivers and Myles McCrary were both fantastic and kept us in the game. Luckily we don't have too much time before we can get back at it. We will bounce back."
Next Up
The Bulldogs, now 5-5 on the year, and 3-5 in the KCAC will be back in action on Wednesday when they host the Tabor College Bluejays at 7:00 pm at the Sport Center.
