OTTAWA, Kan. (SCWarriors.com) – The Sterling men have been on a hot streak the last couple of weeks bumping their win streak up to 5 in a row. The latest win comes in the KCAC conference opener on the road at Ottawa University. It’s always tough to win on the road in conference games and Sterling did just that, edging the Braves by a final score of 78-67.
The first half went blow for blow with five ties in the first half alone. The Braves gained an advantage halfway through the first twenty minutes and then took their largest lead of 7 with five minutes to play in the first half. Sterling managed to get the last score before the break, cutting the lead to just 4 points at halftime. Sterling trailed 35-31.
In eight minutes of game time the Warriors were trading leads with the Braves. Over the final twelve minutes, Sterling slowly built a lead until the game was able to be put away in the final minutes by making free throws. Sterling outscored Ottawa by 15 in the second half to secure the 11 point victory over the Braves.
Lucas Briar led the Warriors with his first double-double this season, scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Chris Drake had a notable game scoring 7 points and gathering in 12 rebounds, 4 on the offensive end prolonging offensive possessions for Sterling. Will Thigpen scored 11 points and had 7 rebounds as well.
Sterling shot 38% from the field and 33% from three point range. Sterling outrebounded the Braves 61-44 on the night. The win puts Sterling at 5-1 this season, 1-0 in the KCAC, and extends their current win streak to five games.
Sterling plays at home Saturday afternoon with a 5 pm scheduled tipoff. The Warriors welcome the University of Saint Mary to the Gleason Center for the KCAC home opener. There is an basketball alumni event happening Saturday afternoon as well. There will be a basketball alumni recognition for men’s basketball alumni at halftime of the men’s game. Please RSVP at the link that follows if you will be attending the game. You will receive a gift AND get free admission to the basketball games when you RSVP. https://tinyurl.com/m252nate
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.