Article by Cloey Kelly 

Photo by Jerry Montano 

McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College men's basketball team is celebrating the Thursday home win against the OPSU Aggies, 95-93. 

The Aggies came in hot with their offense, but the Tigers came in hotter. Omari Maulana shoots a good three pointer, assisted by Malachi Farr at the 16:00 mark, gaining us the lead. In response to our heat, the Aggies turn up their own defense and begin scoring, gaining the lead at the 12:52 mark, ending  the first half with a fifteen point lead. 

Once halftime is completed, the Tigers slowly begin to take control over the game. By the 5:47 mark, Omari Maulana has scored a two point shot that has the game tied up, starting up the back-and-forth battle for the lead. Isaiah Perry scores an amazing eight points in twenty seconds, scoring the last point that ties the game up and brings us to overtime. 

The Aggies do not back down and come out for with a three point shot fifteen seconds in. Chris Whitten retaliates with a two pointer at the 4:28 mark. Whitten also brings us in the lead with 1:02 left in the game, and Malachi Farr secures the final point needed to the win the game. Way to go Tigers! 

Key Statistic

The Tigers' second half shooting made the difference as they shot 51% from the field. This kept them within reach of the Aggies all night. 

By the Numbers 

For the game, the Tigers made 27 of 64 (42%) of their attempts from the floor.   

From beyond the arc, they were 5 of 17 (29%) 

At the free throw line, the Tigers were 36 of 50 (72%). 

The Tigers outrebounded the Aggies 44 to 39, but lost the turnover battle 13 to 10. 

Tiger Leaders 

Points: Chris Whitten (28) 

Rebounds: Andre Shelby (10)   

Assists: Malachi Farr (5) 

Steals: Andre Shelby (3) 

Blocks: Andre Shelby, Malachi Farr, Isaiah Perry (2) 

Next Up 

The Tigers finish out their homestand with Senior Night on Saturday night, February 17th at 3:45pm. The Tigers then go on the road next week for their final two games of the season against USAO and Texas Wesleyan. All games will be streamed live on the SAC Sports Network.