Photo by Jakob Komel
McPherson, Kan. – After a week off, the McPherson College women's basketball team hit the hardwood again on Saturday, picking up a big win at home over the Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles, 79-67.
The Bulldogs had four players land in double figures in the scoring column led by Brittany Roberts who had a nearly historic night with 17 points, 17 rebounds, and 8 assists, just two dimes short of an elusive triple double. Joining her in double figures were Madelyn Hankins (18), TiJanae' Simmons (15), and Victoria Ates (10).
The Eagles threatened to run away with the game in the first half, leading by 12 points midway through the second quarter, but the Bulldogs battled back, out-scoring the Eagles by nine points in the last seven minutes of the first half and heading into the locker room down by just three points, 36-33.
The Bulldogs retook the lead just past the midway point of the third quarter 38-37, their first lead since the 4:08 mark in the opening period. The held a three point lead, 49-46, heading into the final period. Two and a half minutes into the fourth period, the Bulldogs led by seven, 56-49, but OKWU came storming back. They went on a 12-2 run to retake the lead 61-60.
Unfazed, the Bulldogs retook the lead on their next possession on a three pointer by Hankins. That basket put the Bulldogs up for good and they slowly increased the lead down the stretch. They got some key stops in the final two minutes of the game, and made three of four attempts from the free throw line to secure a 12 point victory.
Key Statistic
The Bulldogs committed just 13 personal fouls in the game, and sent the Eagles to the free throw line only eight times.
By the Numbers
The Bulldogs had a fantastic shooting night, going 27 for 58 from the floor (46%), and 8 of 16 from beyond the three point arc (50%).
The Bulldogs went to the free throw line 28 times, but were only successful 17 times (60%).
MC assisted on 19 of their 27 made baskets.
The Bulldogs won the turnover battle 17-18, and rebounds were even at 38.
Bulldog Leaders
Points: Madelyn Hankins (18)
Rebounds: Brittany Roberts (17)Â Â Â Â Â Â
Assists: Brittany Roberts (8)
Steals: Brittany Roberts (4)
Blocks: Brittany Roberts (3)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Coaches Quote:
"Big win tonight and we needed it. I really think our performance in the second half is the best we've play all year on both ends. With a team like OKWU that shoots it so well and has a good inside game they make it difficult on teams. Brittany had maybe her best all-around game tonight. Hankins, Ates, and Simmons showed up big for us too. The stats may not show it, but Tatum Griffin gave us some outstanding minutes really proud of her performance."– Coach Nichols
 Next Up
 With back to back wins, the Bulldogs are now 14-12 overall, and 11-9 in KCAC games. They hit the road on Wednesday for a 6:00 pm match-up with the Ottawa University Braves.
