Photo by Jakob Komel
Ottawa, Kan. – The McPherson College men's basketball team suffered their third loss in a row, falling on Saturday to Southwestern College 91-70, on Senior Day.
The Bulldogs got off to a slow start offensively against the Moundbuilders on Saturday, making 14 of 39 attempts from the field. The Builders on the other hand seemingly couldn't miss, shooting 64% from the field, and 43% from deep. When the clock hit zeros at the end of the first half, the Bulldogs found themselves down by 15, 53-35.
It didn't get much better for the Bulldogs out of the break. The Builders cooled down a bit from the floor making 42% of their attempts while the Bulldogs improved to 38%. The Builders won the second half as well 38 to 35 making the deficit 21 at the end of the game.
Jason Okoro had a solid game for the Bulldogs with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks.
Before the game the team honored six seniors, Josh Rivers, Gage Maccoy, Ja'Quan Chestnut, Rock Hardison, Khalil Morris, and Travon Gibson.
Key Statistic
The Bulldogs got beat up in the paint by the Moundbuilders. They were out-scored by the Builder inside 54-29.
By the Numbers
The Bulldogs made 25 of 68 shots from the floor (38%), and were 8 of 24 (33%) from beyond the three point arc.
From the free throw line they were 3 of 3 in the first half, and 9 of 12 in the second, 80% for the game.
Three Bulldogs scored in double figures, led by Okoro.
The Bulldogs lost the turnover battle 7-3, and were out-rebounded by the Builders 39-37.
Bulldog Leaders
Points: Jason Okoro (20)
Rebounds: Three Bulldogs (3)
Assists: Jason Okoro (4)
Steals: none
Blocks: Jason Okoro (2)
Coach's Quote
"The outcome was not what we wanted. We will need to regroup and start to try to gain some momentum going into the conference tournament. I am very thankful for a great group of seniors that have contributed to a huge turnaround in our program over the last few years. All these guys are good basketball players and people. We will miss having them around next year but are excited for their futures!" – Coach Eskildsen
Next Up
 The loss drops the Bulldogs to 16-12 overall, and 11-11 in conference games. They have two more regular season games left this week, both on the road. They will start with Sterling College on Wednesday at 8:00 pm then wrap up the regular season on Saturday with a trip to Hillsboro, Kansas for a match-up with Tabor College. Â
