Photo by Junior Silva
Dubuque, Iowa. – The McPherson College men's basketball team lost for the first time this season on Friday night, on the road against Clarke University. The Bulldogs made the trip north to take part in the Holiday Tip-off Classic hosted by the Clarke Pride.
The Bulldogs didn't shoot particularly well, especially from beyond the three point arc, where they tend to make their living. Despite shooting only 36% from the floor and 25% from deep in the first half, they trailed the Pride at halftime by just one point, 35-34.
In the second half, the Bulldogs tied the game at 38, at the 18:07 mark, but they were unable to take the lead. The Pride went back on top, and the closest the Bulldogs would get the remainder of the half, was two points. With 8:27 to play the Pride pushed the lead out to double digits, 63-52.
The Bulldogs made it a two possession game, 71-65 with 1:25 to play but they could get no closer. The Pride made enough free throws down the stretch to close out the Bulldogs by a final score of 75-68.
Key Statistic
The Bulldogs, who average around 10 three pointers per game and make nearly 35% of their attempts, made 7 of 27 against the Pride. Â
 By the Numbers
Three Bulldogs scored in double figures.
The Bulldog bench contributed 27 points to the scoring effort compared to only 6 for the Pride.
The Bulldogs were outscored the Pride  32 to 26 in the paint.
MC won the turnover battle 9-7.
Bulldog Leaders
Points: Ben Pyle, Jason Okoro (18)
Rebounds: Ben Pyle (12)
Assists: Josh Rivers, Jason Okoro (3)
Steals: Josh Rivers, Jason Okoro (2)
Blocks: none
Coach Quote
"I thought we competed tonight. We just had a tough time getting over the hump and making shots. You have to give Clarke credit for that as well. They also were able to make some big shots. We'll be ready to go tomorrow against another very good St. Ambrose team."  – Coach Eskildsen
 Next Up
 Now at 3-1 on the season, the Bulldogs will wrap up the tournament tomorrow at 1:30 pm against the St. Ambrose University Fighting Bees.     Â
