SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (MacBulldogs.com) — Owen Braxmeyer scored a season-high 20 points Saturday afternoon (Dec. 2) to help fuel the McPherson College Bulldogs to an 83-81 win over the Evangel University Valor at the Ashcroft Center in Springfield, Mo.
Seemingly destined for overtime, Curtis Rose broke an 81-81 gridlock with a desperation heave from the top of the key with 6.5 seconds left in the game just as the shot clock expired.
The Bulldogs trailed 78-69 with 4:16 left in the game, but a triple by Rose sparked a 12-2 burst that included a three by Antonio Watson and a pair from Braxmeyer, giving the Bulldogs their first lead since the 13:42 mark of the first half.
Manrique Alvarado leveled the score, converting on one of two free throws with 38 seconds left in the contest.
Collin Storr added 16 points for the Bulldogs (7-2, 2-2 KCAC) and pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds. Watson tacked on 14 points and four assists, while Rose finished with 12 points, including the game-winner.
The Valor (4-4, 3-1 KCAC) led by as many as nine in the opening half, before grabbing a 43-37 advantage at the break.
Josh Pritchett scored 16 points to lead the Valor, while Alvarado and Garrett Davault each added 13 points.
The Bulldogs connected on 12 of their 32 attempts from beyond the arc, while shooting 45.3 percent (29-for-64) from the field. The Valor shot 55 percent, but were just 6-for-19 from distance, including missing all three attempts in the second half.
The Bulldogs remain on the road Wednesday (Dec. 6) when they travel to Lindsborg to take on Bethany. MC will be back at home next Saturday (Dec. 9) for a showdown with Ottawa.
