Bobcats Strong First Half Holds Off Lancers
After nearly two weeks off, the Bryant & Stratton College men's basketball team went back into action last night as they traveled to Grayslake, IL where they defeated the College of Lake County...
WAUWATOSA, WI (January 4, 2019) - After nearly two weeks off, the Bryant & Stratton College men's basketball team went back into action last night as they traveled to Grayslake, IL and defeated the College of Lake County Lancers 73-60.
The victory improved the Bobcats to 12-5 overall and 11-1 in region play.
Dominating from the tip, Bryant & Stratton held the lead for the final 13 minutes of the half as they outscored the Lancers by 13 (34-21) at the break.
"That is the best defensive effort we've had all season," Bobcats head coach, Matt Majkrzak, said. "We have been one of the best offensive teams all year and the goal was to get our defense on the same level; we took a step forward on that tonight."
Throughout the first eight minutes of the second half, the Bobcats maintained a double-digit lead after floor general, Justin Brookens, knocked down a pull up jumper just inside the arc giving them a 50-39 advantage with 12 minutes to go.
Looking to make a run, the Lancers cut the deficit to single digits (61-53) with six minutes remaining but it was Brookens again coming to the rescue as he pulled up from 24 feet extending the lead back to double figures.
"Justin did a great job of making big plays to keep us in the lead," Majkrzak said.
Despite the solid play of Brookens, the Lancers would not let up as they closed the gap to seven points (64-57) with three minutes left in the contest.
Over the remaining minutes, the Bobcats saw themselves ahead by nine with under a minute to go.
Lookng for their 11th region win, it was Brookens again stepping up to the line with seconds remaining and knocking down two of two extending the lead back to double figures to seal the deal.
"Normally we have multiple guys who are shooting the ball well but tonight we really relied on Justin's play to keep us ahead," Majkrzak said.
Leading the way for the Bobcats was Brookens with 30 points on 9-19 shooting followed by sophomore guard, Joe Duty, dropping 11 points and seven rebounds.
Sophomore guard, Kyle McDermed added 10 points.
The Bobcats shot just 37.3% from the field and 30.8% from long distance.
UP NEXT:
Bryant & Stratton will stay in region play as they travel to Sugar Grove, IL on Saturday to take on the Waubonsee Community College Chiefs. The Chiefs defeated the Bobcats last season 65-54 on the road.
Tip-off will take place at 3:00pm.
Spectators can view the game live on the OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL.