Leavenworth, Kan. – McPherson College was on the road Saturday night to face off against the University of Saint Mary Spires. The Spires aimed to bounce back after a close four-point loss to Evangel on Wednesday, while the Bulldogs continued to look for their fourth KCAC win on the year.
The Basics
Location: Ryan Sports Center
Score: MC 52, USM 93
Records: MC 8-16 (KCAC 3-15), USM 15-9 (KCAC 12-6)
How it Happened
McPherson got off to a slow start in the first quarter, as Saint Mary Built an early 8-0 lead behind a pair of layups from Mary Olsen.
Isabella Rosa ended the drought with a free throw, but the Spires maintained momentum as they shot 44% from the floor and 3-6 from deep. The Bulldogs accounted for most of their scoring at the line, finishing 5-8 in the frame.
The Bulldogs found a better offensive rhythm in the second quarter, shooting 47% from the field and connecting on one of their three shots from deep.
Mikah Hammerquist led McPherson with seven points, including five quick points that helped cut the deficit to 12. Saint Mary closed the half strong scoring 13 points over the final three minutes to extend their lead and head into the break up 45-24.
Maizen Gillam opened the third quarter with a three-pointer for McPherson which posed as the Bulldogs' lone make from beyond the arc in the period. McPherson finished the frame shooting 35% from the field while going 6-10 from the free throw line scoring a game-high 21 points in the quarter. Despite the offensive output, the Bulldogs entered the final period facing a larger deficit as Saint Mary would also put up a game-high 28 points on an impressive 58% conversion rate.
The offensive struggles resurfaced for the Bulldogs in the fourth quarter as McPherson went 2-18 from the floor and scored just seven points in the quarter. Saint Mary capped their performance with another 20-point quarter – their fourth of the night – to secure a 93-52 victory over the Bulldogs.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will travel to York, Nebraska on Wednesday night for a midweek matchup against the York University Panthers. Tip-off is slated for 6:00 PM.
