SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- The Central Christian (Kan.) offense never got on track as the John Brown University men's basketball team posted numerous season-best defensive numbers in a lopsided 73-37 win over the Tigers on Thursday (Jan. 3) night inside Bill George Arena.
The Tigers entered the contest averaging 88 points per game, but had a difficult time finding the bucket as the JBU defense held the visitors to just three points over the first 10 minutes of the contest and held CCCK to a 3-of-23 mark from the floor (13 percent) in the first half.
Senior Josh Bowling hit 5-of-9 from the floor in the first half and helped the Golden Eagles (11-3, 5-1 Sooner Athletic) build a 33-14 halftime lead that would later balloon into a 40-point spread.
JBU posted numerous season-bests, including points allowed (37), field goals allowed (10), triples allowed (2), and opponent field goal percentage (20.4 percent).
While its three-point shooting was off the mark for a third-consecutive game (24 percent), John Brown took care of business inside the arc (70 percent) and by forcing 24 Tiger turnovers, which the hosts converted into 22 points.
Bowling led all players with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting and seven rebounds and four assists. Junior Desmond Kennedy punched in a trio of triples to contribute 13 points while junior Rokas Grabliauskas added 11. Senior Jake Caudle scored 4-of-6 from the field to add 10 points, five rebounds and three steals.
Jubril Osagie was the only Tiger (7-5, 1-4) able to score in double figures, finishing the night with 12, including both of CCCK's triples. TJ Williams contributed seven rebounds as the visitors managed a 40-37 rebounding edge over John Brown.
"I'm proud of our defensive effort – it was unbelievable tonight," head coach Jason Beschta said. "A first half like that would have been unbelievable, to hold them to 14 points, but to come out in the second half and have another strong half – I was really proud."
"I sure would like to replicate this one. It was a combination of our guys being really locked in and Central Christian having an off night. That's a good team. They're a few tough outings from being a one or two-loss team this season."
The Golden Eagles return to the hardwood on Saturday (Jan. 5) to take on No. 4 Langston (Okla.) on the road. The matchup is scheduled for 4 p.m. in Oklahoma City.
