Kansas City, Mo. – McPherson College were on the road Saturday for a midday matchup with the Avila University Eagles. The Bulldogs entered the contest looking to bounce back after a midweek loss at Kansas Wesleyan, while the Eagles sought to snap a two-game skid after losses to Kansas Wesleyan and Evangel.
The Basics
Location: Mabee Fieldhouse
Score: MC 51, AU 83
Records: MC 8-10 (KCAC 3-9), AU 8-9 (KCAC 5-7)
How it Happened
The Bulldogs struggled to find an offensive rhythm in the first half, scoring just five points in the opening quarter and 13 total before the break.
Mikah Hammerquist got McPherson on the board with a three-pointer at the 2:53 mark in the first quarter, snapping Avila's 21-point run. The Bulldogs' only other points of the period came from
Amyah Williams-Woodmore, who converted a layup. Meanwhile, the Eagles put together a strong offensive showing, totaling 23 points on 43% shooting from the floor in the opening frame.
Maizen Gillam opened the second quarter with a triple for McPherson, but offensive struggles persisted.
Gillian Rodgers accounted for the Bulldogs' next three points more than five minutes later, as Avila continued to build momentum. The Eagles pushed their advantage to 22 and carried a 36-13 lead into halftime.
Avila continued to build its lead to open the third quarter, scoring the first 21 points in the period. Gillam's second three of the night halted the Eagles run, making the score 57-16. The Bulldogs added nine more points in the frame, seven of which came from Williams-Woodmore. McPherson went on to shoot 31% from the floor in the quarter, knocking down one three-pointer and converting one of its two free-throw attempts.
Amaree Henderson sparked McPherson's offense in the final quarter, scoring 11 of the Bulldogs' 26 points in the frame. Henderson opened the period with three quick layups before Williams-Woodmore followed with an and-one to continue the surge. Gillam added to an 8-0 run for McPherson by knocking down her third three pointer of the night at the midway point in the quarter. Despite scoring 12 points down the stretch and outscoring the Eagles 26-18 in the final frame, the final whistle sounded with Avila securing an 83-51 victory.
Amyah Williams-Woodmore let the Bulldogs offensively with a season-high 16 points, shooting 6-for-9 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from the line.
Amaree Henderson was not far behind, contributing 15 points of her own.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will travel to Sterling, Kansas on Wednesday for an evening matchup against the Sterling College Warriors, with tipoff scheduled for 6:00 PM.
