Article by Cloey Kelly
Photo by Jerry Montano
McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College men's basketball team is celebrating the home win against the Southwestern Christian University Eagles, 88-75.
The Tigers come in hot with a successful three point shot from Chris Whitten. The Eagles and Tigers go back and forth for two minutes when the Tigers claim the lead, Jevarrick Butler pushing us ahead by six points with his two point bucket.
The Eagles fight their way up until they swipe the lead at the 4:46 mark. The Tigers turn up the defense, and by the time the first half ends the Eagles are ahead only by two.
After the break, Jevarrick Butler ties up the score at the freethrow line. Chris Whitten reclaims the lead with yet another amazing three pointer at the 16:40 mark. The Tigers fire up their offense and continue to push further and further ahead, the crowd going wild at each successful shot.
The Eagles struggle to keep up, but can't score a single point for seven minutes of the game, only gaining points from the charity stripe at the end of it. The Tigers continue to keep their defense up and their offense on, expanding the lead as much as 24 points with our Za'Corey Stewart's three pointer at 4:42, assisted by Jaeden Whitten. The final Tiger points are scored by a good two pointer by Isaiah Perry, the game ending just a minute later with a win for the Tigers! Awesome job Central!
Key Statistic
The difference maker tonight was in Central's consistency shooting the ball. They shot almost 50% from the floor and beyond the arc.
By the Numbers
For the game, the Tigers made 33 of 67(49%) of their attempts from the floor.
From beyond the arc, they were 9 of 20 (45%)
At the free throw line, the Tigers were 28 of 34 (82%).
The Tigers were outrebounded by the Trailblazers 44 to 39, but won the turnover battle 14 to 9.
Tiger Leaders
Points: Chris Whitten (25)
Rebounds: Isaiah Perry (15)
Assists: Malachi Farr (8)
Steals: Chris Whitten, Jevarrick Butler, Jaeden Whitten, Malachi Farr, (1)
Blocks: Chris Whitten, Andre Shelby (2)
Coaches Quote:
Two different halves for us tonight. I have really been disappointed with our last three games consistency on the defensive side of the ball. The first half we just were not very engaged, we scored enough to be in a good position, but giving up 44 points in a half puts a lot of pressure on our offense to keep up. I will credit our guys, we challenged them at halftime, they came out of the locker room with a lot more focus and effort. The first 7 minutes of the second half, we did a great job defending and then sharing the ball on the offensive end. When we prioritize defending first and letting that create opportunities for offense, we are pretty good. But when we prioritize offense first, we get ourselves in trouble. We held them in the twenties more most of the second half, which was a big positive. Offensively, I was most impressed with having 22 assists, that may be a season high for us? We knew we would have to be willing passers versus their zone and I felt the guys did a good job finding quality shots, playing inside the zone then outside. Need to get rested up and prepare for another tough opponent in MACU here on Saturday. - Coach Tony Romero
Next Up
The Tigers (11-11, 8-8), continue their homestand next up against Mid-America Christian University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45PM. All games will be streamed live on the SAC Sports Network.
