Photo by Kami Wood

McPherson, Kan. – Another slow start spelled disaster for the Central Christian College men's basketball team as they fell 68-66 at home to the John Brown University Golden Eagles.

JBU jumped on the Tigers quick, taking a 10 point lead, 13-3 with just five minutes gone in the first half. The Tigers tried to play catch up for the rest of the period, trimming the deficit to nine points 33-24 at the break.

The Tigers were better on both ends of the floor in the second half. The Golden Eagles led by as many as 12 points in the half, but the Tigers steadily worked their way back into the game over the final 15 minutes of play. Five times in the final 10 minutes, the Tigers were within one or two points of the Golden Eagles, but each time they were unable to get over the hump and tie the game or take the lead.

In the end, a late three pointer by Reece Warren cut the Golden Eagle lead to two, 68-66 as time expired.

Key Statistic

In the final four minutes of play, the Tigers went 1 of 6 from the free throw line. During that same span, the Golden Eagles went 7 of 11.

By the Numbers

Offensively the Tigers shot 41% from the floor, making 25 of 60 attempts.

From behind the three point arc, the Tigers went 8 for 31 (26%).

At the charity stripe, they made 8 of 16 (50%).

The Tigers were clean with the ball, committing just 6 turnovers, but were dominated on the glass, losing the rebound battle 45 to 24.

Reece Warren had a season high 23 points, making 6 of 8 from behind the three point arc.

Tiger Leaders

Points: Reece Warren (23)

Rebounds: Andre Shelby (8)             

Assists: Isaiah Rivera (3)

Steals: Isaiah Rivera (6)

Blocks: Demario Moore (1)                                                             

Coach Quote
 
"It still comes down to discipline, and discipline starts with coaching.  We need to do a better job coaching.  We had decent effort but we still lack consistent discipline. Tonight, we got off to a slow start offensively and we were not physical enough on defense.  As the game moved on, we got better in some areas.  However, every time, we missed a box out, lacked proper help, or took ourselves out of position, they made us pay.  We had several chances at the end but just couldn't get over the hump.  We left a lol of points off the board in the last five minutes.  We just need to find a way to put two halves together.We will get there, I believe we will.  We will keep grinding and being honest about our areas we need to improve on." – Coach Tony Romero

Next Up
 
The Tigers are now 3-6 overall, and 1-3 in the SAC. They get another tough test on Saturday as they go on the road to take on Oklahoma City University in a 3:45 pm match-up.