Wildcats Fall on the Road to McPherson in Midweek Matchup

MCPHERSON, Kan. - After getting into the win column for the first time this year on Sunday, Baker men's basketball fell in its road nonconference matchup at McPherson, 113-71 on Wednesday night.

The Bulldogs stormed out to a 27-point lead in the first half to go into the break with a 52-25 lead and nearly doubled it in the second half by scoring 61 points in the final 20 minutes to win in convincing fashion.

Baker couldn't match McPherson's high-powered offense that shot over 50 percent from the floor (41-of-73), splashed in 15 triples and missed only one of its 17 free throws. The Wildcats did earn 35 trips to the line, but couldn't capitalize and finished shooting only 68 percent from the charity stripe.

Mo Niang led BU in scoring with 15 points off the bench, hitting four three-pointers to hit double-digit scoring for the second time this season. Shane Threadgill went a perfect 6-for-6 from the line and finished with 11 points, while Alex Gunnels and Ethan Viets each chipped in eight points apiece.

McPherson started off unconscious from deep, connecting on four straight threes to jump out to a 20-13 lead. The Bulldogs would go on to hit five more from three-point range, finishing 9-of-19 in their first-half bombardment.

Meanwhile, Baker tried to remain close, with Tucker converting a three-point play and Viets knocking down a three. The Bulldogs closed the half on a 9-3 run, capped with their ninth trey of the opening frame to take a commanding 52-25 halftime lead.

The hosts continued to control things right out of the gate in the second half, getting out to a 14-4 start to open the half. McPherson eventually pushed the margin out to 40 points, taking an 82-42 lead with 11 minutes left to play.

Cam Jones and Luke McDonald each hit buckets for BU and Tucker swished in a three. Viets scored five straight points before the final score settled and McPherson closed out its big nonconference victory.

As reigning conference champions, Baker opens up the Heart of America season with a matchup at home against Mount Mercy on Saturday, Nov. 15, starting at 2 p.m. inside the Collins Center.

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