Photo by Jakob Komel
McPherson, Kan. – After a tough loss on the road last Saturday, the McPherson College men's basketball team bounced back on Tuesday evening with an 84-76 win, at home, over the Avila University Eagles.
After struggling in all facets of the game on Saturday against Kansas Wesleyan, the Bulldogs righted the ship against the Eagles, and trailed just twice in the game, both times in the first three minutes of the game.
 The Bulldogs were methodical on both ends of the floor. They got stops when they needed them on the defensive end, and on the offensive end they were very efficient. At the end of the first half they had a comfortable 15 point lead, 42-27.
The Bulldogs knew the Eagles would make a run at them in the second. They are a talented team that is quick and athletic. The Eagles' offense was better in the second half, especially from behind the three point arc.
They hit some big shots and trimmed the Bulldog lead down to single digits, 60-52 with 12:27 remaining. The Bulldogs weathered the initial run by the Eagles, and responded with a 9-0 run of their own to push the lead back out to 17 points with 10 minutes to play.
The Eagles outscored the Bulldogs 24-15 in the final 10 minutes, but their second rally of the half came up short, and the Bulldogs were able to run out the clock and escape with an eight point victory.
Key Statistic
The Bulldogs' bench players scored 22 points to just 7 for the visiting Eagles.
By the Numbers
The Bulldogs shot 46% from the floor for the game, but only 25% from deep. Â
It was a balanced night of scoring with five players scoring in double figures.
Turnovers were even at 11, but the Bulldogs won the battle of the boards 40-37.
Bulldog Leaders
Points: Ben Pyle (16)
Rebounds: Ben Pyle, Gage Maccoy (7)
Assists: Ben Pyle (4)
Steals: Josh Rivers, Rock Hardison (1)
Blocks: Four Bulldogs (1)
Coach Quote
"I was proud of our effort tonight. It was nice to see us bounce back from a loss last Saturday. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving is always a tough game to play in. Now we can enjoy a great Thanksgiving meal and get ready for Bethany on Saturday." – Coach Eskildsen
 Next Up
The Bulldogs, now 6-2 on the season and 2-1 in KCAC play, will go on the road to Bethany College on Saturday. Tip-off at Hahn Gymnasium is slated for 7:00 pm. Â
