Winfield, Kan. – The McPherson College men's basketball team fell in its first KCAC game of the New Year. The Bulldogs got behind early, on the road at Southwestern College, and couldn't recover, dropping the contest 73-59, despite a season high 25 points from Ja'Quan Chestnut.
In a blink of an eye, the Bulldogs found themselves trailing the Moundbuilders by double digits, as the home team opened up by scoring the first 12 points of the game. By the end of the first half the deficit for the Bulldogs had ballooned to 16 points, 48-32.
After the break, the Bulldogs still struggled on the offensive end of the floor, but they actually settled in and played much better defensively. After giving up 48 in the opening half, they ended up holding the Builders to just 25 in the second frame. Offensively they out-scored Southwestern by two points in the period, but it wasn't enough for them to climb out of the hole they had dug for themselves in the first half.
Key Statistic
The Bulldogs made it to the free throw line just seven times in the game, making four of their attempts.
By the Numbers
The Bulldogs shot 48% from the floor in the first half, but just 29% in the second.
They were just 26% from behind the three point arc, making 5 of 19.
Chestnut was the lone Bulldog in double figures.
The Bulldogs won the turnover battle 5 to 8, but were out-rebounded by the Builders 48-38.
Bulldog Leaders
Points: Ja'Quan Chestnut (25)
Rebounds: Ja'Quan Chestnut (9)
Assists: Jason Okoro (2)
Steals: Antonio Watson (2)
Blocks: Four Bulldogs (1)
Coaches Quote:
"We were not good defensively in the first half, we gave up way too many easy looks at the rim. In the second half I thought we played much stronger. I was proud of the way the guys competed after halftime." – Coach Eskildsen
Next Up
With the loss, the Bulldogs fall to 9-7 overall, and 4-6 in KCAC play. They will return to the court on Saturday, hosting the Sterling College Warriors at the Sport Center. The JV will play at 3:45 and the varsity will wrap up the day in the 8:00 game.
