STERLING, Kan. (SCWarriors.com) – The Sterling men’s basketball team has their first signature win of the season over the #16 team in the country. Sterling completed the 71-68 win over the top team, and reigning champion, of the KCAC, Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles. It was a tight game all the way for the Warriors, building a slight lead and then giving it back a few minutes later. Hot shooting in the first half helped Sterling build their biggest leads. Jayden Garrison led the shooting brigade, making six on his own. One of the biggest threes of the night was a momentum gainer by Monem Abboud, hitting a three at the buzzer to send the Warriors into halftime with a 31-25 lead. Sterling’s largest lead in the game was 9 points, but with 19 seconds left to play in regulation, the Warriors were up just one, but they were able to hit some free throws and get a stop on defense to put the game away in the final seconds.
Sterling struggled shooting early on just shooting 30% but finished shooting 43% from the field. They continue to shoot well from the line hitting 84% of their free throws (16-19). The Warriors were led on the scoreboard by Jayden Garrison once again with 24 points. Mooch Austin put in another excellent night with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists.
With the big win, Sterling improves to 9-2 overall this season and 4-1 in conference play. That record puts them at least in a tie for 2nd place in the league, potentially a tie for first depending on other games that are still be played as this article is written. The Warriors have two more games at home before the Christmas break. Wednesday they play at home against Bethel College at 8 pm, and again on Saturday against Ottawa University at 3 pm, both games in the Gleason Center.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
