SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Senior Josh Bowling scored a game-high 28 points, but No. 14 Oklahoma City rode a late 20-3 run that opened up a one-point game, handing the No. 23 John Brown University men's basketball team a 89-75 setback on Thursday (Dec. 6) night inside Bill George Arena.
The three ball just wouldn't fall for the Golden Eagles (7-3, 3-1 Sooner Athletic) as John Brown hit just 6-of-20 in the contest, half of its 12 triples per game average, which ranks third in the nation.
The first 11:26 of the second half stayed within a margin of five points for both teams, and JBU actually cut the lead to one, 68-67, with junior Brenton Toussaint's layup with 8:34 left in the contest.
However, it was all City from that point as the Stars responded with a 20-3 run to open up a 16-point advantage with just under 90 seconds remaining.
Bowling scored 16 of his 28 in the second half, including 2-of-3 behind the arc, but the rest of JBU combined for an 0-of-7 mark from deep and 6-of-17 (35 percent) inside the arc, including 11 turnovers.
Finishing the game 10-of-15 from the floor, Bowling also converted 5-of-6 from the stripe and added a pair of rebounds. Junior Desmond Kennedy came off the bench to provide 13 points, six from the line, and four rebounds. Toussaint turned in another efficient effort, 5-of-7 from the floor, to finish with 12 points and a game-best eight rebounds.
Chris Williams and Anthony Davis each posted identical 6-of-11 marks and from the field to contribute 18 and 16 points, respectively, in the City win. Adding to the six Stars in double figures was Trae Bryant (14), Joe Clark (12), Eric McCollum (11) and Elijah Christman (10).
While the margin in the paint was negligable, 47-44, the Stars earned a 36-25 margin in bench contribution and a 15-6 edge in points off turnovers, taking advantage of the Golden Eagles' 16 miscues in the contest.
Weather permitting, John Brown will look to rebound on the road on Saturday (Dec. 8) at Southwestern Christian. Game time in Bethany is scheduled for 4 p.m.
