KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - The William Jewell men's basketball team put together an all-around strong performance on Saturday afternoon as they downed Truman State 83-70 on the road. The Cardinals complete the season at 12-16 overall and 9-11 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Kanukayi Gudza scored seven early points to help Jewell build a double digit lead just over six minutes into the game. The Bulldogs cut things down to four moments later but Bradley Lightbourne sparked a 17-6 run to put the Cardinals on top by 13 at the half.
- Midway through the second half, Truman cut the lead down to five but Lightbourne and Jordan Jermain combined for six points, including four from the free throw line to push things back to 10. Over the next five minutes, the Bulldogs went on a 14-7 run to get as close as three points but a Kyle Scharbrough steal ended in a Jason Thirdkill, Jr. slam to drive the Cardinals to a 21-11 run to close the game and cruise to the 13-point win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- In his final game, Jermain led the Cardinals with 26 points, including 4-of-6 from three point line. He finishes his career with 2,179 points, good for second in program history, behind just only Kirk Chastain, '79 (2,249).
- Thirdkill, Jr. picked up another double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds while Scarbrough added a career high 15 points and Gudza 10.
- Jewell shot 52% from the floor and 48% from long range, going 12-for-25.
UP NEXT
Jewell put together a strong late season push towards the GLVC Tournament, with seven wins since January 23, but fell just short, finishing ninth in the Point Rating System standings. The Cardinals will say farewell to five seniors while 12 players are set to return, including multiple who missed extended time this season.