Duty's Hot Shooting Ignites Bobcats Past Braves
The Bryant & Stratton College men's basketball team played in their third all-time meeting against the Black Hawk College-Moline Braves on Thursday night where earned a thrilling 92-87 victory on the road...
WAUWATOSA, WI (December 7, 2018) - The Bryant & Stratton College men's basketball team played in their third all-time meeting against the Black Hawk College-Moline Braves on Thursday night where they earned a thrilling 92-87 victory on the road. The win puts the Bobcats at 7-2 overall on the season.
Competing in their fifth consecutive road game, including back-to-back nights, the Bobcats came out sluggish trailing 39-34 at the half.
Throughout the beginning of the second half, it was Bobcats guard, Joe Duty, who provided the much needed spark drilling back-to-back shots from downtown giving Bryant & Stratton a 41-40 edge.
"Joe was absolutely sensational tonight," Bobcats head coach Matt Majkrzak said. "He carried us tonight."
After 14 mintues of trading baskets, guard, Manny Jingco, gave the Bobcats a two point advantage (76-74) after knocking down a three pointer with six minutes remaining.
With momemtum leaning towards the Bobcats, the Braves refused to let up as they regained an 81-80 lead with under two minues left in the contest.
"We did not have a good defensive game at all," Majkrzak said. "We did a good job putting the ball through the hoop though."
With 40 seconds remaining the Bobcats trailed 85-83 until Duty came up clutch knocking down a jump shot while getting fouled to put the Bobcats up 86-85.
After a possession of the Braves failing to score, they were forced to foul putting Bobcats Guard, Justin Brookens, at the line where he knocked down both to stretch the lead to 88-85 with just 18 seconds remaining.
Pushing the ball up the court, the Braves scored with 10 seconds remaining but still trailed 88-87 which forced them to foul Duty.
Composed at the line, Duty sunk two of two, giving the Bobcats a 90-87 lead with just seconds remaining.
The Braves failed to convert on the offensive end allowing the Bobcats to earn their second straight road win in back-to-back nights.
"Our schedule is loaded with tough challenges," Majkrzak said. "Back-to-back nights on the road is always tough especially traveling to Moline. I am glad our guys had enough legs left to get the job done down the stretch."
Leading the way for Bryant & Stratton was Duty dropping a season high 36 points while contributing three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Sophomore guard, Kyle McDermed, produced 18 points and six rebounds off of the bench.
Floor general, Brookens, knocked in 13 points.
The Bobcats shot a season high 57% from the field and 45% from long distance.
UP NEXT:
Bryant & Stratton will have a much needed break before they travel to Prairie State College for another region iv game on Wednesday. The Bobcats defeated Prairie State 86-81 on the road in overtime last season.
Tip-off will take place at 7:00pm.
Spectators can view the game live on the OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL.