Photo by Kami Wood

Langston, Okla. – The Central Christian College men's basketball team went toe to toe with the #2 team in the NAIA, the Langston University Lions on Thursday evening. The Tigers led the nationally ranked Lions for 36 minutes of the game before the Lions made a late run to clip the Tigers 75-67.

The Tigers, played with nothing to lose, and came out and punched the Lions in the nose. They went blow for blow with a team whose roster is filled with guys that transferred in from NCAA DI and DII teams. At the halftime intermission, the Tigers had a four point lead, 34-30.

Out of the break, the Lions opened with a 7-0 run to take a three point lead, but the Tigers weathered the storm, and bounced back with a 6-2 run to retake the lead. From there the game went back and forth. The largest lead for the Tigers was 6 points with 6:13 remaining in the second half.

The game was tied at 63 at the 4:17 mark. With 3:25 left in regulation, the Lions took the lead for the final time. The Tigers would score just one more field goal down the stretch and the Lions were able to escape with an 8 point advantage.

Key Statistic

The Tigers gave up 21 offensive rebounds to the Lions, which they turned into 19 second chance points.

By the Numbers

For the game, the Tigers made 19 of 44 (43%) of their attempts from the floor.

They went 6 of 18 (33%) from beyond the three point arc.

At the free throw line, the Tigers were 23 of 30 (77%).

Four Tigers finished the game in double figures, led by Chris Whitten and Jevarrick Butler who both finished with 12.

The Tigers lost the turnover battle 12 to 9, and were outrebounded by the Lions 41 to 28.

Tiger Leaders

Points: Chris Whitten, Jevarrick Butler (12)
Rebounds: Isaiah Perry (5)                
Assists: Malachi Farr (4)
Steals: Jevarrick Butler, Malachi Farr (1)
Blocks: None
                                                                                                         
Coaches Quote:

"We put forth a much better effort and collective focus tonight on the road versus a very well coached and extremely talented Langston team.  We are not into moral victories, but our staff is proud of our guys toughness tonight.  Langston is the number two team in the country and well deserving of their ranking.  Our guys did a good job of executing some things we were trying to do throughout the evening to put our team in a position to win the game.  We came up a little short in the end.  The difference proved to be defensive rebounding.  We knew with their size and athleticism is was going to be a battle there and it showed in some crucial moments in the game where we just couldn't finish plays the way we needed to.  They were plus 10 on second chance points and those turned into extra paint points down low with some put backs.  We also had some costly possessions on offense under the 4 minute mark in the game where we left empty handed.   I think we must address our rebounding woes as we head into the second semester and continue to build our chemistry together which is showing signs of growth.   I think the opening to this conference season, our guys see we can compete in the toughest conference in the country but we need to sharpen areas we need to sharpen in order for us to finish some of the games that we may not have this first semester.  Being a student athlete in college is tough.  Our guys have been going at it hard for several months and have earned a break to spend time with their families back home, looking forward to the short amount of time off and getting geared up for the opportunities to compete second semester." – Coach Romero

Next Up
 
The Tigers (5-6, 2-3), will be back in action after the holiday break, in a road game at Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Oklahoma on January 4^th. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 pm.