McPHERSON, Kan. (MacBulldogs.com) – The McPherson College Bulldogs picked up their third straight KCAC win, taking care of business at Holman Fieldhouse Saturday (Jan. 4) against the Evangel University Valor 88-80.
Tarrance Austin was outstanding in the opening half, scoring 22 of his season-high 26 points in the first 20 minute thanks to a staggering 5-for-6 shooting from beyond the arc. Curtis Rose took control in the second half with 18 of his 22 points in the final 20 minutes.
Scoring came at a premium in the early going as the Valor held a 21-15 lead with eight minutes to play in the opening frame, but the Austin and the Bulldogs caught fire down the stretch to close the half, outscoring the Valor 31-13.
A three by Austin sparked the burst, then Charles Snyder answered with a triple of his own, his first of the season. Austin capped a quick 9-0 run with another three 90 seconds later. Jamil Hardaway and Antonio Watson joined in later with threes of their own, before Rose beat the buzzer with a fastbreak layup for his only two points of the first half.
From there, the Bulldogs ballooned their lead to 16, thanks to a 6-2 spurt to open the second half. MC kept the Valor at arms-length the rest of the way to secure the victory.
Watson added 11 points for the Bulldogs. Snyder finished with four assists and eight rebounds, including three on the offensive end. Rose led the Bulldogs with five assists, while KJ Marshall finished with a team-best 12 rebounds.
The Bulldogs shot 47.5 percent (28-for-59) from the field, and made 11 threes, the most since Nov. 23.
On the other end, the Valor was led by Josh Mason with 25 points, while Garrett Davault added 16 points and Bryce Ware finished with 14 points.
The Bulldogs hit the road Wednesday (Jan. 8), traveling to Nebraska to take on York University. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
