The William Jewell College men's basketball team returned to the hardwood tonight facing crosstown rival Rockhurst University in Great Lakes Valley Conference action. Jewell would hold on for a 76-72 win to improve to 13-1 overall and 3-1 in league play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- 1st Half: Both teams struggled out of the gate and were held scoreless for the first 1:49 of the game. Rockhurst built a 14-5 lead with 14:19 to play before Jewell went on an 18-0 run and led 23-14.
- 1st Half: Jewell struggled from beyond the arc only hitting 3-of-12 but still led 34-25 at the half thanks to poor shooting from the Hawks.
- 2nd Half: Jewell opened the half on a 7-3 run that saw Rockhurst player Alex Hagan foul out of the game after receiving a technical foul.
- 2nd Half: Rockhurst then went on a 17-7 run to close the gap to 48-45 with 12:13 to play. Jewell responded with a 6-0 run to lead by nine only to see Rockhurst cut the lead to four with 3:55 to play. Patrick Whelan, who led all scores with 28, drained two straight three-point baskets and Jewell would withstand other late rally to win by four.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- The Cardinals who average over 10 three pointers made per game only hit eight three point shots on the night.
- The Cardinals allowed 11 three pointers from the Hawks tonight.
- Rockhurst out-rebounded Jewell 41-38.
TURNING POINT
- Trailing 14-5 at the 14:19 mark of the first half Jewell went on an 18-0 run and held Rockhurst to 36 percent shooting in the first half.
LEADERS OF THE FLIGHT
- Whelan led all scores with 28 while Pharroh Gordon and Byron Harp were the only other Cardinals in double figures with 15 and 12 respectively.
- Eysan Wiley led Jewell with 12 rebounds while Harp added a career high three blocks.
YOU SHOULD NOTE
- The Cards 13-1 start matches their best start since the 2010-11 season.
UP NEXT
The Cardinals will return home to the Mabee Center where they will battle with No. 3 Bellarmine University on Saturday, January 3. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m.
