Springfield, Missouri – McPherson opened the new calendar year on Saturday with a conference matchup against the Evangel University Valor. Both teams aimed to start the year on the right foot, as the Bulldogs looked to secure their second conference win while the Valor sought to remain unbeaten in league play at 8-0.
The Basics
Location: AGFinancial Arena
Score: MC 50, EU 108
Records: MC 6-8 (KCAC 1-7), EU 11-1 (KCAC 8-0)
How it Happened
Offensively, the Bulldogs struggled out of the gate, opening the contest 0 for 4 from the field as Evangel raced out to an 18-point first-quarter performance. Maizen Gillam ended the early drought with a layup at the 5:40 mark to put McPherson on the board and halt the Valor’s run. The Bulldogs followed by scoring the next four points to trim the deficit to 12, but went scoreless until the final minute of the quarter, entering the second frame trailing 23-8.
McPherson showed improved offensive efficiency in the second quarter, shooting 36 percent from the field, going 7 for 8 at the free-throw line, and knocking down a three pointer. Amaree Henderson led the Bulldogs with seven points and two rebounds in the frame. Despite the uptick in production, McPherson headed into the halftime break down 52-23, as Evangel shot 52 percent from the floor.
The valor continued to build on their lead coming out of the break, scoring seven points in the opening two minutes of the third quarter. Carson Dillard led Evangel in the period with eight points and a block. Henderson once again led McPherson, accounting for half of the Bulldogs’ 12 points while adding a steal. A last second basket from Kenya McCain did little to slow Evangel’s momentum, as McPherson entered the final period down 46.
The fourth quarter capped a dominant showing by the Valor, who poured in 27 points while shooting a game-high 65 percent from the floor. Mae Mae Gilmore anchored Evangel’s defense in the frame with three blocks and a steak, helping secure a commanding 108-50 victory.
Amaree Henderson powered the Bulldogs offensively with a season high 15 points, while also recording a rebound and two steals.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will be back at Holman Fieldhouse on Wednesday to host the York University Panthers. Tipoff is set for 6:00 PM.
