Photo by Kami Wood

Bethany, Okla. – The Central Christian College men's basketball team opened up Sooner Athletic Conference play on the road at Southwestern Christian University on Thursday evening.

The Tigers had a five point lead at the intermission 39-34, but were outscored in the second half 51-41 to fall, 85-55.

The Tigers and Eagles made exactly the same amount of shots from the floor (31), and from beyond the three point arc (9).

Key Statistic

The game came down to the free throw line. The Tigers went to the line just 13 times where they made 9, the Eagles were awarded 27 free throw attempts where they made 14. Those five points were the difference in the game.

By the Numbers

Offensively the Tigers had one of their best shooting nights of the season. They shot 38%, making 31 of 78 attempts.

From behind the three point arc, the Tigers went 9 for 33 (27%).

At the charity stripe, they made 9 of 13 (69%).

Four Tigers scored in double figures, led by Isaiah Rivera with 18.

Andre Shelby had his 5^th double double of the season with 10 pts and 12 boards.

The Tigers won the turnover battle 15 to 16 and outrebounded the Eagles 44 to 39.

Tiger Leaders

Points: Isaiah Rivera (18)

Rebounds: Andre Shelby (12)           

Assists: Andre Shelby (4)

Steals: Andre Shelby, Jamir Spivey (2)

Blocks: Jamir Spivey (2)                                                                   

Coach Quote
 
"Tough loss tonight.  I thought we did some things better especially the first half.  We were able to keep them out of transition which was one of our keys, we had some late lineup changes as well as some early foul trouble and our bench did a good job coming in and producing.  Second half, we really let up defensively, coupled with some bad turnovers and too much fouling, we put ourselves in tough spots.  SCU is one of the hardest environments to compete at in conference, our guys battled and stuck with it.  We just need to continue to take ownership in our own areas and improve as a group." – Coach Tony Romero

Next Up
 
The Tigers are now 2-4 overall, and 0-1 in the SAC. They will play their SAC home opener on Saturday at 3:45 pm against the Mid-America Christian University Evangels.