Photo by Kami Wood

McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian men's basketball team fell to crosstown rival McPherson College in the annual "Mayor's Cup" on Tuesday night 85-65. The Bulldogs silenced the Tiger home faithful early by shooting lights out. The Bulldogs essentially put the game away in the first half, shooting 48% from the floor, and 54% from beyond the three point arc. The jumped out to a 26 point halftime lead, 47-21.

In the second half, the lead ballooned out to 31 points before the Tigers began to make a run. The Tiger offense finally began to make some inroads and trimmed the lead down to 14 points with just over nine minutes to play. Unfortunately that was as close as they could get down the Stretch. Mac's Owen Braxmeyer hit a couple of big three pointers in the last six minutes that kept the Tigers from getting any closer.

The Tigers won the second half 44 to 38, but couldn't overcome the hole they dug for themselves in the opening 20 minutes.

Key Statistic

Besides the unconscious shooting by the Bulldogs, the Tigers didn't help out their cause with their inability to take care of the ball. In all they turned the ball over 20 times, which translated to 19 points for the Bulldogs.

By the Numbers

Offensively the Tigers shot just 38% from the floor for the game. They shot 50% in the second half, but only 25% in the first.

They were just 5 of 14 from deep.

At the charity stripe, they made 8 of 12.

Three Tigers once again scored in double figures, led by Isaiah Rivera with 21.

The Tigers lost the turnover battle 20 to 15 and the rebounds were even at 43.

Tiger Leaders

Points: Isaiah Rivera (21)

Rebounds: Andre Shelby (10)     
      
Assists: Isaiah Rivera (9)

Steals: Isaiah Rivera (3)

Blocks: Andre Shelby (2)     
                                                            
Coaches Quote:

"A disappointing showing by our group tonight.  They were better in every facet of the game. We were our coached and our played.  We are really struggling to find our identity as a team right now.   When we come out and turn the ball over, that put an enormous amount of pressure on our defense from tip. When we got down, we even pressed more and tried to play hero ball and never settled in on offense, pressed for plays and didn't execute much.  Defensively, we are just not very tough yet, a lot of mental errors and lack of discipline.  It starts with me, I must do a better coaching these men.  It is young in the season, I think we have it in us and believe we will improve." - Coach Romero

Next Up
 
The Tigers are now 2-2 on the season. They have a rematch with Manhattan Christian College on Friday in Manhattan, Kansas. The Tigers defeated the Thunder last weekend in the "Classic for Christ" 85-80.