In a closely contested game at the Mathena Center, Spurgeon College (10-4) came up just short against Manhattan Christian (8-8), falling 77-75 on Tuesday evening. The Knights showed tremendous resilience in the second half but couldn't quite complete the comeback.
Game Flow
After falling behind early and trailing 39-31 at halftime, the Knights mounted a strong second-half charge, outscoring Manhattan Christian 44-38 in the final period. The team battled back from a 20-point first-half deficit to make it a one-possession game in the closing minutes.
Standout Performances
- Michael Berry led the Knights with 17 points off the bench on efficient 6-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc
- DJ Middleton provided a crucial spark with 16 points, including three 3-pointers
- Drew Middleton added 11 points and 4 assists
- Joseph Allen contributed 9 points and 8 rebounds
- Jack Chamberlin added 8 points in 18 minutes of action
Key Statistics
The Knights showed persistence throughout the contest:
- Field Goals: 28-of-80 (35.0%)
- Three-Point Shooting: 8-of-33 (24.2%)
- Free Throws: 11-of-18 (61.1%)
- Total Rebounds: 47 (12 offensive)
- Team Assists: 16
Second Half Surge
The Knights demonstrated marked improvement after halftime:
- First Half: 27.8% field goal percentage (10-of-36)
- Second Half: Increased to 40.9% shooting (18-of-44)
- Strong defensive effort, forcing 22 turnovers
Notable Numbers
- Points in the Paint: 38
- Second Chance Points: 6
- Bench Points: 35
- Fast Break Points: 6
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, the Knights (10-4) showed their resilience and ability to compete against tough opposition. The team's second-half performance, particularly their improved shooting and defensive intensity, provides positive momentum moving forward.
Fan Support
A crowd of fans at the Mathena Center witnessed an exciting contest that came down to the final minutes, showcasing the competitive spirit of both programs.
