Photo by Kami Wood

McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College men's basketball team was back in action this weekend, playing at home in the annual "Classic for Christ". The Tigers welcomed the Sterling College Warriors, Manhattan Christian College Thunder, and Kansas Christian College Falcons to Jerry E. Alexander Arena, each playing two games on the weekend.

The Tigers were matched up with the KCC Falcons on Friday evening, then wrapped up the classic against the MCC Thunder on Saturday. Against the Falcons on Friday, the Tigers got their offense going early, and used a balanced attack that included five players scoring in double figures, to defeat the Falcons 9 –73.

In the first nine minutes of the first half, the score was tied once, and the lead exchanged hands three times. At the 11:05 mark, the Tigers took the lead 17-16 on a three pointer by Jevarrick Butler. They would not surrender the lead the rest of the half, leading by as many as 10 points before setting for an eight point advantage 43-35, when the clock hit zeros.

In the second half, the Tigers kept the pressure on the Falcons, keeping the lead between six and 12 points for the first 10 minutes of the half. The Tigers went on a 7-1 run midway through the half to extend the lead to 18 points with 6:52 left in the half. They would lead by as many as 27 points down the stretch, but in the end settled for a 24 point victory.

Key Statistic

Offensive efficiency, was one of the keys to the Tiger victory over the Falcons. They shot 50% from the floor, knocking down 38 of their 75 shot attempts.

By the Numbers

In addition, they made 8 of 22 from deep for a 36% efficiency.

They were great from the charity stripe, making 13 of their 20 attempts (76%).

All 13 of the Tigers that suited up for the contest, saw action, and contributed to the scoring effort. Five Tigers scored in double figures, led by another career high from Chris Whitten who scored 28.

Butler notched his first double double in a Tiger uniform, with 17 points and 12 boards.

The Tigers won the turnover battle 8 to 10, and out-rebounded the Falcons 40-34.

Tiger Leaders

Points: Chris Whitten (28)
Rebounds: Jevarrick Butler (12)        
Assists: Andre Shelby, Jalen Smith (3)
Steals: Jalen Smith (5)
Blocks: Andre Shelby, Jaedon Whitten (1)

In the finale on Saturday, the Tigers took on a pesky MCC Thunder squad coming off a tough loss on Friday to the Sterling College Warriors. The last time the Tigers squared off against the Thunder, MCC walked off their home court with a decisive 89-67 win. This time however, it would be a different story.

The first half of Saturday's contest was a back and forth affair with two ties, and seven lead changes in the first 20 minutes. The Tigers closed out the half on a 10-4 run to take a 10 point lead, 38-28, in to the locker room at the break.

In the second half, the Tigers ramped up their defensive pressure which resulted in more transition baskets. They also pounded the offensive glass netting them eight second chance points. The Tigers led by 20 at the 13:54 mark, 54-34. With just over a minute and a half remaining, they had their largest lead of the game at 25 points, but settled for a 20 point advantage 81-61 at the end of regulation.

Key Statistic

One of the Thunder strengths is their three point shooting. All five starters can shoot the trey, but the Tiger defense held MCC to just five made three pointers on 19 attempts (26%).

By the Numbers

The Tigers hit 31 of 71 (44%) of their shots from the floor.

They made 11 of 28 (39%) from beyond the three point arc.

From the free throw line, they made 8 of 11 attempts (73%).

Nine Tigers saw action against the Thunder, and all nine made it into the scoring column.

Three Tigers scored in double figures, led again by Chris Whitten, this time with 27 points.

The Tigers won the turnover battle 6 to 12, and outrebounded the Thunder 41-36.

Tiger Leaders

Points: Chris Whitten (27)
Rebounds: Andre Shelby (8)             
Assists: Andre Shelby (5)
Steals: Andre Shelby (4)
Blocks: Omari Maulana, Jevarrick Butler (1)  
                                 
Coaches Quote:

"It's nice to come away with two wins on the weekend and to protect our home floor.  Friday, we really had to work hard containing the style of play Kansas Christian presented.  They are an aggressive transition and downhill team.  The first half, we struggled defending and really lacked energy.  The second half, we were able to do a better job containing the ball and turned them over which allowed for us to get out in transition.  We got good balance offensively on Friday night and solid production from our bench.

Going into today's matchup with Manhattan, we knew it was going to provide a different challenge in style of play.  Manhattan does a great job executing their stuff and have a lot of guys in their rotation that could shoot the ball.  We really had to focus on closing out on the catch of the ball, defending their actions, as well as try and do a better job pressuring and containing than we did the night before.   For the most part, our guys had a pretty solid performance on the defensive side of the ball. It was nice to see Shelby get more involved tonight on the offensive side, we are going to need him to continue to be a big part of our offense.  Chris had a really great week of production.  Nice to see when personal work ethic is rewarded.  

We have a lot of new this year and I felt we were able to take some positive steps forward this weekend.  We have a ways to go but we are optimistic and think the team is hungry to be coached and improve." – Coach Romero

Next Up
 
The Tigers (2-1), will go back on the road Tuesday, playing against crosstown rival McPherson College, in the annual "Mayor's Cup". Tip-off at the McPherson Sport Center is slated for 8:00 pm.