Men's Basketball Wins on Senior Night
Sterling, Kan. - The Sterling College Warrior men's basketball team celebrated their 2010-2011 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Regular Season Championship on Senior Night in the Gleason Center on Saturday by defeating the McPherson College Bulldogs 71-67. Sterling came away with the victory despite being rebounded 36-53. The Warriors used 10 three point baskets to offset the rebound deficit on their way to the victory.
Sterling started the game by taking the lead and going on a 15-3 run. McPherson would battle back, mainly by controlling the boards and playing physical defense. The half would be a tough battle, but Sterling would take a 38-35 lead into halftime.
The second half was déjà-vu as rebounding and tough, physical defense kept McPherson in the ballgame. In the final minutes of the game, Sterling would struggle to put the game out of reach at the free-throw line. The Warriors were 15 of 32 on the night from the stripe. Senior leadership allowed Sterling to prevail in this game 71-67.
Sterling's Zach Goodrich led all scorers with 19 points. Goodrich also pulled down nine rebounds and dished out eight assists. Also in double figure scoring for Sterling was Cody Brazelton and Raheem Odomes with 13 and Trent Stutzman with 11.
McPherson was led by Jordan Crawford's amazing performance. Crawford scored 13 points and pulled down 22 rebounds. Also in double figure scoring for McPherson was Samson Shivers with 15 and Aaron Jackson with 12.
Six seniors were recognized before the game. Joe Miller, Brian Boarman, Mark Swiontek, Diego Ferro, Kenny McGrath and Goodrich were Sterling's senior class for the 2010-2011 season. This senior class has been a part of two KCAC Regular Season Championships.
With the victory in tonight's game, Sterling is 18-10 overall, 14-4 in the KCAC. Sterling is the top seed in the KCAC Conference Tournament and will host Bethel College in the Quarter Final Round of that tournament on Wednesday, February 23 at 7:00 pm in the Gleason Center. Tickets are eight dollars for adults, five dollars for senior citizens and three dollars for students.
