McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College of Kansas Men’s Basketball team played their final game of the 2025-26 season after losing in overtime to the Texas Wesleyan University Rams on Senior Day.
Before the game, the Tiger Seniors were honored for their dedication, hard work and committment to the Tiger Basketball program. Those seniors included Chris Whitten, Andre Cooper, Jevarrick Butler, Za’Corey Stewart, and Austin Hedman.
Also, Chris Whitten was presented with a banner for his recent accomplishment of surpassing the All Time Scoring Record of 1,916 points in the NAIA Era at Central Christian College of Kansas.
The offensive game was a struggle for both teams early as they were a combined 2-15 from the field to open the game. Things eventually picked up and each team finished the first half shooting around 40%.
The Rams took control after a 7 point run extended their lead. The Tigers came back with a quick bucket but the Rams would respond with one of their own at the last second. This would give them a 28-21 lead heading into the halftime break.
Early in the second half, the Rams lead grew to 11 points but the Tigers came back with just two minutes remaining. Down 2 with one minute remaining, senior Chris Whitten drove inside and made a layup to tie the game at 69-69. With a chance to win it, Chris Whitten missed a halfcourt heave that would have given the Tigers a win and a conference tournament berth.
Overtime came and the Rams scored the first 5 points of overtime to take a 74-69 lead. The Tigers were unable to respond and the Rams would go on to win by a score of 85-77 to dash the Tiger dreams of making the SAC tournament.
Senior Andre Cooper had a game to remember, leading the team with 19 points and 4 assists. Chris Whitten added 16 points with Travis King and Jevarrick Butler also in double figures on the evening.
The Tigers finish with a record of 11-17 overall and 6-16 in SAC play.
