YORK, Neb. (MacBulldogs.com) – The McPherson College Bulldogs ran their KCAC winning streak to four games, securing a road win over the York University Panthers 81-70 inside the Freeman Center in York, Neb.
Trailing by as many as 10 in the first half and six at halftime, the Bulldogs opened the second frame with an 8-2 burst to draw even after five minutes.
However, the Panthers responded with five quick points, including a trey ball from Rhino Hernandez, but again the Bulldogs had an answer, breaking a 51-51 gridlock with a 16-2 run that included threes by Dallas Metzger and Antonio Watson. From there the Bulldogs cruised to victory.
Curtis Rose led the Bulldogs with 19 points, while Watson added 17 points and three assist, thanks to shooting 4-for-9 from the outside. Metzger and Charles Snyder each rounded out the double-digit scoring with 10 points.
The Panthers came out of the gates hot from the jump, connecting on five of their first seven shots, including a trio of threes. York shot 60 percent (15-for-25) from the field in the opening half, and were 50 percent (5-for-10) from the perimeter.
Carl Thorpe paced the Panthers with 21 points, including 3-for-3 shooting from deep, all of which came in the first half. Thorpe also recorded a team-high five assists. DJ Leaks added 15 points, while Andrew Bennett finished with 14 points and a team-best eight rebounds.
MC took good care of the basketball in the win, finishing with just eight turnovers, five of which came in the opening 20 minutes. The Bulldogs forced York into 16 turnovers, and scored 23 points off those giveaways.
The Bulldogs shot 50 percent (34-for-68) from the field, which is the third time this season they have hit that mark. MC drilled nine of its 27 three-point attempts.
At the midway point of the season, the Bulldogs are 6-9 with a 4-5 mark in KCAC play. MC will take their winning streak on the road Saturday (Jan. 11), traveling to Winfield, Kan. to take on Southwestern College. The Moundbuilders won an earlier season matchup 89-86 inside Holman Fieldhouse. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
