Photo by Kami Wood

McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College men's basketball team won a thriller at home on Saturday over the University of North Texas at Dallas Trailblazers 75-74.

It was a hard fought game that saw several big momentum swings in both halves of play. The Tigers jumped out first and opened the game with a 14-5 run in the first four minutes of action. The Trailblazers slowly chipped away at the Tiger lead finally tied the game at 29 with four minutes remaining in the first half. In the final four minutes, there were two ties and four lead changes, with the Tigers taking a one point lead into the break, 38-37.

Midway through the second half, the Tigers again went on a run and jumped out to a double digit lead, only to see the Trailblazers answer with a run of their own to erase that lead and tie the game back up just three minutes later. The game stayed within one possession for the final seven minutes.

With under 30 seconds to play in regulation, things got interesting. The Tigers trailed 74-71 and had the ball. Needing a three pointer to tie, the Tigers tried to get the ball to Chris Whitten, who was in a similar situation just over a week ago, when he hit a game tying three pointer against John Brown. This time, however, the Trailblazers blanketed him with suffocating pressure above the arc.

He was forced to give up the ball to Andre Shelby, who handed the ball off to Malachi Farr curling off Shelby's screen. Farr launched a three pointer that hit nothing but net tying the game at 74.

The Trailblazers inbounded the ball with under 3 seconds to play. The UNTD guard took his eye off the ball for just a split second and the inbounds pass skipped off his hand and right to Omari Maulana, who quickly went up for a shot attempt. His shot missed, but he was fouled in the process. A 75% free throw shooter, Maulana missed the first, but gathered himself on the second and drained it.

The Trailblazers inbounded the ball with 2.8 seconds on the clock. They got a look at a half court shot to win the game, but it came up well short.

Key Statistic

Three point shooting was the difference on Saturday. The Tigers made 11 of 30 attempts while the Trailblazers were just 3 of 15, and 0-6 in the second half.

By the Numbers

For the game, the Tigers finished by making 20 of 58 (35%) of their attempts from the floor.

At the free throw line, the Tigers were 24 of 38 (63%).

Three Tigers finished the game in double figures, with Whitten leading the way with 22. Isaiah Perry came off the bench and was huge off the glass for the Tigers. He was one point shy
of a double double with 9 points and 14 rebounds.

The Tigers won the turnover battle 7 to 11, but were outrebounded by the Trailblazers 51 to 33.

Tiger Leaders

Points: Chris Whitten (22)
Rebounds: Isaiah Perry (14)              
Assists: Omari Maulana (5)
Steals: Jevarrick Butler (4)
Blocks: Andre Shelby (2)
                                                                                                         
Coaches Quote:

"Very proud of our grit and resiliency tonight!  It was a back and forth battle, we got up double digits first and second half to see it erased by UNTD.  They are a well coached, physical team.  We didn't do well on the boards the first half but our guys came out second half and had a better focus and better effort the second half, rebounding the basketball. 

Down late, we needed some things to go our way, and we are blessed they did.  Our guys never gave up hope or stop believing in one another.  Malachi made a huge shot for our team, very happy for him, he is an unsung hero for our team, doesn't always get stat book recognition and to see him come out and compete for his team tonight when he has been feeling under the weather all week was inspiring.  Omari then made a huge steal and a big free throw to seal the deal.  It's so hard to win in our league and every night is a mental and physical battle, holding serve at home is going to be critical if we want to be in this at the end." – Coach Romero

Next Up
 
The Tigers (5-4, 2-1), have a tough game on short rest, on Monday when they host the Southwestern Assemblies of God University Lions at Jerry E. Alexander Arena. Tip-off is slated for 7:45 pm.