Bulldogs Move to 2-0 with Win over MVC

Photo by Junior Silva

McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College women's basketball team got a big game from their All-American, Brittany Roberts, on Saturday, to move to 2-0 on the season. The Bulldogs defeated Missouri Valley College 62-58 on day two of the McPherson College Classic.

The Bulldogs led 17-14 at the end of the first quarter, then pushed that lead out to eight points at the break, 31-23. The lead was 13 at the end of the third quarter 52-39, but the Vikings would not go quietly. They began chipping away at the Bulldog lead, and got to within one point of the Bulldogs 59-58 with less than 30 seconds to go in the game.

The Vikings were forced to foul down the stretch and sent Maison Moseley to the line for a pair of free throws. Moseley split her attempts to give the Bulldogs a two point lead. The Vikings turned the ball over on their next possession and were forced to foul again. This time it was Dy'Mond McElrath at the line. She sunk both of her free throws to ice the game, giving the Bulldogs the four point win. 

Roberts had a monster night for the Bulldogs with 26 points, 14 boards, and 5 assists. She has always been great in the paint, but this year she has added a mid-jump shot to her game and on Saturday when the Vikings double teamed her, she repeatedly made them pay by finding an open teammate, usually for a layup.

Key Statistic

Turnovers were the key to the Bulldogs' win over the Vikings. The MC defense forced 22 micsues from the Vikings, while committing just 10 of their own on the offensive end of the floor.

 By the Numbers

It was not a particularly good shooting night for the Bulldogs, who shot 36% from the floor, and 21% from behind the arc. They did however make 12 of 18 from the free throw line for 67%

The Bulldogs scored 35 of their 62 points in the paint.

MC lost the battle of the boards 52-32, but won the turnover battle 22-10.

Bulldog Leaders

Points: Brittany Roberts (26)

Rebounds: Brittany Roberts (14)

Assists: Brittany Roberts (5)

Steals: Brittany Roberts, Madelyn Hankins (2)

Blocks: Brittany Roberts (2)

Coach Quote

"Grind it out type of a game tonight. We got it going offensively late in the second and throughout the third to push to a sizable lead. Credit MO Valley they kept chipping away at the lead. Dy'Mond came away with clutch free throws to seal the game. Brittany was outstanding tonight and really showed some arsenal of moves. Defensively I think we have been really solid. We will get some rest and start preparing for the Mayor's Cup." – Coach Nichols

 Next Up

The Bulldogs will back in action on November 9, when they host crosstown rival Central Christian College in the annual Mayor's Cup game. Tip-off is slated for 6:00 pm at the Sport Center.