MUSKOGEE, Okla. -- Junior Jake Caudle scored 15 of his game-high 18 points in the second half and the John Brown University men's basketball team blew open a narrow 34-27 halftime lead by out-scoring Bacone (Okla.) by a 44-28 margin in the second half to clinch a 78-55 win inside Palmer Gymnasium on Tuesday night (Feb. 13).
After hitting just 10-of-27 in the first half, the Golden Eagles (15-10, 9-7 Sooner Athletic) converted 17-of-32 in the second half, shooting 53 percent, as the Warriors (5-21, 1-15) committed 10 of its 16 turnovers in the final 20 minutes of play.
What You Need to Know
» The Golden Eagles snapped a five-game losing skid on the road.
» Freshman Densier Carnes shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor and scored a career-high 15 points and grabbed eight boards, also a career-best.
» JBU held a narrow 17-16 margin in turnovers, but out-scored Bacone 18-6 in points off miscues.
» For the first time in its last three NAIA contests, the Golden Eagles featured three double-digit scorers. |
"We did a good job tonight, and we committed to being focused defensively," head coach Jason Beschta commented. "We'll need more of this down the stretch if we want to compete and finish strong. It's great to have different guys step up for us, including Densier (Carnes) and Mateo (Habazin). They both went perfect from the floor tonight and helped us go into a tough environment and get a timely win."
Freshman Densier Carnes had himself a career night, hitting personal bests by shooting 6-of-6 from the floor to finish with 15 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore Mateo Habazin was also flawless from the floor, hitting both of his attempts and all four at the line to chip in with eight.
Freshman Rokas Grabliauskas knocked down 4-of-5 from behind the arc to contribute 14 points. Despite a poor shooting night, junior Marquis Waller hustled to six boards and a team-high five dimes.
With the game still within reach for Bacone midway through the second half, the Golden Eagles jumped to a 13-2 rally over a 4:02 span that was capped off by Nathan Corder's triple in the corner to build a 70-47 lead with 5:08 left in the game.
The Warriors wouldn't get any closer than 21 as JBU ballooned its lead to as many as 25 before the game drew to a close.
Jordan McNellys was Bacone's lone double-digit scorer for Bacone with 16 while Corey Swift and Kevin Pritchett added nine points each in the loss. Mauris Hopkins secured eight rebounds as the Golden Eagles out-rebounded Bacone, 41-30, JBU's largest rebounding margin in four contests.
The long week for the Golden Eagles continues this Thursday (Feb. 16) with a home date against Southwestern A.G. (Texas) inside Bill George Arena. The tip is scheduled for 8 p.m.
