McPherson, KS – Central Christian Tigers (1-0) kick off their season opener in style over the Warriors.

Tigers kick off their season just like they wanted, with a huge home victory! Despite the first couple of minutes to start the 1^st half. The Tigers held the lead for majority of the game and wouldn't look back. The Tiger offense exploded for 55 first half points which included going 13-for-23 (56.52%) from beyond the arc. The Tigers would go into the half with a 17 point lead despite the Warriors scoring 38 points and letting their leading scorer Braydon Unruh score 23 points.

Coach Romero and the Tigers didn't want to let the gas pedal up on the Warriors in spite of their lead. They would improve their defensive substantially by limiting the Warriors to 35% shooting in the 2^nd half and held the Warriors to 1-of-6 from beyond the arc. Tigers would slow down slightly offensively, but still made 16 3-pointers on the night and shot well going 32-of-77 (41.6%) from the floor taking this game 93-61.

Tigers would be paced by Junior transfer Reece Warren (22), Demario Moore (21) and Neil Blanchard (13). Byron Staten would be a field goal short of a double-double, but would still have a monster night on the boards (11).

The Tigers only area of concern would be the charity stripe as they struggled to begin the game, but would settle down towards the end to finish at 13-for-25 on the night. Tigers would lead the warriors in rebound 50-to-28, and the major difference in the game would be the 3-point shooting as the Tigers would go 16-for-37 (43.2%) and Warriors would go 5-for-17 (29.4%).

Tony Romero, Head Men's Basketball Coach said this on today's performance:

"It is so nice to just get out there and compete. Crazy times right now. We are counting our blessings every game we are afforded to play. A lot of teams are not playing right now due to Covid."

"For our first game, not our full roster, and a lot of new guys, I was pleased with our guy's effort tonight. The first half we really shot the ball well which makes things a lot easier. Reece and Demario really got us going. I also thought we hit the offensive boards well."

"Defensively, we had moments where we really got after it. On the same note, our anxiousness led to a lot of fouling on our part we will need to do better there."

"A lot of learning opportunities tonight. We have been battling each other for quite a while in practice, so we were happy we were able to battle somebody else."

Tigers will be back in action at home, as they host SAC opponent SAGU (Texas), on November 5^th in a Conference Preview.

Go Tigers!

#Ambush