Photo by Junior Silva
McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College men's basketball team started a win streak on Saturday evening, taking down intra-country rival Bethany College 63-51.
The Bulldogs put on a defensive showcase against the Swedes, holding the visitors to just 32% shooting from the floor, and 27% from beyond the three point arc. Offensively, the Bulldogs didn't shoot the lights out, but they made enough plays to secure the victory.
The Swedes led 7-2 early, but the Bulldogs responded with a 9-2 run to take the lead 11-9. They rode that early momentum the rest of the way in the first half, going into the locker room at halftime with a six point lead, 29-23.
Out of the break, the Bulldogs scored the first two points of the second half, but then the Swedes found their groove, and scored 11 of the next 13 points to retake the lead 34-33 at the 15:52 mark in the half. Over the course of the next ten minutes of action, there were three ties, and five lead changes.
With 4:38 left on the clock, Josh Rivers hit a floater in the lane to put the Bulldogs up 51-49. They would not trail again in the game. They quickly extended the lead to double digits, and in the end, wound up with a 12 point victory.
Key Statistic
The Bulldogs forced the Swedes into 12 turnovers, turning those miscues into 14 points.
By the Numbers
MC shot 38% from the floor for the game, and 35% from deep.
They were 2 of 3 from the free throw line in the first half, but then went 12 of 15 in the second to finish at 78% for thegame.
Two Bulldogs scored in double figures, led by 19 from Rivers.
The Bulldogs won the turnover battle 12-10, and also beat the Swedes on the glass 41-39.
Bulldog Leaders
Points: Josh Rivers (19)
Rebounds: Ja'Quan Chestnut, Gage Maccoy (10)
Assists: Josh Rivers (4)
Steals: Christian Aguillard (3)
Blocks: Rock Hardison, Gage Maccoy (2)
Coaches Quote:
"What a defensive effort! Our guys were as locked in on the defensive end as I can remember us ever being. Jason Okoro especially did an outstanding job on Soloman Clayton who was the National player of the week last week. On the offensive end I thought we did a good job of executing when we needed to. Josh Rivers was huge again with 19 points and 4 assists. I'm just proud of how our guys keep competing. Now we have a huge test ahead at Bethel on Monday."– Coach Eskildsen
Next Up
With the win, the Bulldogs move to 14-8 overall, and 9-7 in the KCAC. They have a big week coming up with three games. They start with a road game at Bethel on Monday night at 8:00 pm. Â
