Photo by Jakob Komel
York, Neb. – The McPherson College women's basketball team bounced back from a tough loss on Thursday to Friends University, with a 15 point win, on the road over the York College Panthers.
The Bulldogs got off to a slow start against the Panthers, and after the first 10 minutes of play, they faced a 10 point deficit, 22-12. In the second quarter, that deficit was extended to 13 points with 6:34 remaining in the quarter. Over the final six minutes, the Bulldogs found their form on offense, and finished the half on a 12-1 run. Heading into the locker room at halftime, they trailed the Panthers by just one point, 32-31.
Midway through the third quarter, the Bulldogs took the lead for the first time since the early stages of the first half. It was short lived as the Panthers responded by retaking the lead 39-38 with 2:52 remaining in the period. On the next Bulldog possession, Tatum Griffin hit a pair of free throws to put the Bulldogs back up by one, and from that point they would not trail the Panthers again the rest of the way.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs led 47-43. They continued to apply pressure to the Panthers, and their lead grew. With under 20 seconds to play, the Bulldogs had their largest lead of the game at 17 points. The Panthers hit a pair of free throws late to make the final spread 15, 76-61.
Key Statistic
The Bulldogs forced the Panthers into 26 turnovers, and then scored 31 points off those miscues.
By the Numbers
The Bulldogs were 26 of 65 from the floor (40%), and were 3 of 18 from beyond the three point arc. (16%).
With three pointers not in abundance, the Bulldogs found their stride inside the paint, out-scoring the Panthers 48-20.
The Bulldogs had an excellent night at the free throw line, making 21 of 29 attempts (72%)
MC got big offensive performances from Brittany Roberts (24), and TiJanae' Simmons (18).
The Bulldogs won the turnover battle 15-26, and out-rebounded the Panthers 39-29.
Bulldog Leaders
Points: Brittany Roberts (24)
Rebounds: Brittany Roberts (15)Â Â Â Â Â Â
Assists: Three Bulldogs (2)
Steals: Dy'mond McElrath (3)
Blocks: None                                                                                  Â
Coaches Quote:
"Again we got out of the gate slow. Our second unit did an excellent job of just getting us back to playing our way. York hit some big 3's, but no panic on our part. Down 31-18 I believe and came back to tie it up at 31. Defensively we played really well in stretches. Brittany was more confident starting the 2nd quarter and had a big time game for us. TiJanae' came up big as well in the scoring column. It was excellent team defense that won the game today."– Coach Nichols
Next Up
The win moves the Bulldogs to 13-12 overall, and 10-9 in the KCAC. They will have a week off, taking the floor again next Saturday at home against the Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles. Tip-off is slated for 3:00 pm at the Sport Center.
Â
