Photo by Jakob Komel
McPherson, Kan. – For the first time this season, the McPherson College men's basketball team lost back to back games, falling at home to the Ottawa University Braves 93-85. It was also their first loss at the Sport Center this season.
Despite scoring 85 points, the Bulldogs still struggled to shoot the ball, missing wide open looks, and several point blank attempts. MC opened the game on a 5-0 run, and then led 9-4 at the 17:18 mark in the first half. From there they went on a scoring drought, and the Braves out-scored the Bulldogs 29-11, to take a 13 point lead with 8:55 remaining in the half. The Bulldogs continued to fight and by the end of the first half, had trimmed the Ottawa lead back down to single digits, 53-48.
Out of the break, the Bulldogs opened the half by missing two lay-ups and a wide open three pointer, while the Braves hit on two of their first three possessions to push the lead back up to double digits. At the 9:41 mark the deficit was 16 points, the largest of the game for the Bulldogs.
Again, the Bulldogs tried chipping away at the lead, but in the end, time ran out on the comeback and the Braves escaped the Sport Center with an 8 point advantage.
Key Statistic
The Bulldogs took 28 more shots than the Braves, including 13 more three pointers.
By the Numbers
The Bulldogs shot 35% from the floor, and 26% from beyond the three point arc.
They were 20 – 26 (77%) from the free throw line.
Four Bulldogs scored in double figures, led by a season high 25 points from Ben Pyle.
Amazingly, the Bulldogs committed just 2 turnovers in the game, while the Braves coughed it up 19 times.
The Bulldogs were out-rebounded by the Braves 48-37.
Bulldog Leaders
Points: Ben Pyle (25)
Rebounds: Gage Maccoy (10)
Assists: Jason Okoro, Christian Aguillard (3)
Steals: Christian Aguillard (4)
Blocks: none
Coaches Quote:
"I thought there were positives that we can take away from the game tonight. Only having two turnovers is impressive. We just need to be able to make shots at a higher percentage. Defensively we gave up way too much dribble penetration. Ottawa is a talented team and you have to give them a lot of credit. I'm hoping that Christmas Break will be good for our guys and we can come back recharged and ready to make a run second semester. I know our guys will be ready to compete when they get back." – Coach Eskildsen
Next Up
The Bulldogs, now 8-6 on the season and 4-5 in KCAC play, will get some much needed rest as they head into the holiday break. They will be back in action on January 3, hosting the Manhattan Christian College Thunder at 7:00 pm.
