McPHERSON, Kan. (MacBulldogs.com) – Despite holding the lead for the majority of the final quarter, a late pair of free throws by the Tigers was enough to sink the Bulldogs in the battle for the Mayor’s Cup on Tuesday (Nov. 5), 59-58.
Taking and making shots is what separated the Bulldogs from the Tigers in the first half as MC was able to hit 48% from the field and 50% from behind the three point line. The Bulldogs were also able to control the board, securing 18 total rebounds with five of them being offensive. McPherson went into the halftime break with a 32-29 lead.
Things unraveled come the fourth quarter of the contest. The Bulldogs were able to grab a 54-49 lead, but the Tigers came back to life. An offensive rebound and score for Central followed by a turnover and a pair of made free throws slimmed down the lead to a single point. A pair of mid-range jumpers extended the MC lead, but the Tigers quickly responded to make it a one point lead. With eight seconds left, Central Christian secured a steal and cashed in on a pair of free throws to take a 59-58 lead with just one second to play.
The Bulldogs, with no timeouts, had to throw up a half-court shot that failed to go in, causing Mc to fall to 0-3 on the young season.
Laura Guillamat-Ribo was once again strong, scoring 14 points. Helping her in a big was Gillian Rodgers who also dropped 14 points and brought down six rebounds.
The Bulldogs return to action on Sunday, November 10 as they play Waldorf University in the first home game of the new year. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
