Photo by Kami Wood
McPherson, Kan. – After a pair of wins this past weekend in the "Classic for Christ", the Central Christian College men's basketball team returned to the hardwood against crosstown rival McPherson College.

The Tigers did not get off on a strong foot against the Bulldogs, and the slow start turned into a 14 point loss, 79-65. The Tigers didn't score a basket for the first 8 minutes of the game, and in that span the Bulldogs took a 12-0 lead. The Tigers got back in the game, and trimmed the lead down to eight points with under three minutes in the half, but the Bulldogs closed out the half on an 11-2 run to extend the lead out to 17 points going into the halftime intermission 43-26.

In the second half, the Tigers outscore the Bulldogs 39-36, and point guard Omari Maulana tried to will his team back into the game, scoring a season high 20 points, but the first half deficit was too much to overcome.

Key Statistic

Poor shooting / hot shooting in the first half was the key to the Tigers demise against the Bulldogs. The Tigers shot 24% in the opening frame, while the Bulldogs were at 58%.

By the Numbers

For the game, the Tigers finished by making 22 of 71 (31%) of their attempts from the floor.

From deep, they connected on just 2 of 22 tries (9%).

They were great from the charity stripe, making 19 of their 21 attempts (91%).

Three Tigers scored in double figures led by Maulana's 20.

The Tigers won the turnover battle 11 to 13, but were outrebounded by the Bulldogs 40-31.

Tiger Leaders

Points: Omari Maulana (20)
Rebounds: Jevarrick Butler (9)          
Assists: Omari Maulana, Andre Shelby, Jalen Smith (1)
Steals: Omari Maulana (3)
Blocks: Jevarrick Butler (2)
                                                                                                         
Next Up
 
The Tigers (2-2), will go back on the road Friday, for a rematch with the Manhattan Christian College Thunder. The Tiger defeated the Thunder on Saturday 81-61. Tip-off Friday is set for 6:00 pm.