PLAINVIEW, Texas -- Senior Ira Perrier's layup gave the Golden Eagles a 2-0 lead, but an ensuing 13-2 run kept the Golden Eagles playing comeback all afternoon as the fifth-seeded John Brown University men's basketball team had its season end with a 74-61 loss at fourth-seeded Wayland Baptist (Texas) in the Sooner Athletic tournament quarterfinals on Saturday (Feb. 26) afternoon inside the Hutcherson Center.
The Pioneers (18-12) limited JBU to a Luke Harper layup over the next 4:24 and took a commanding 13-4 lead.
The margin ballooned to 10 later in the first half, 32-22, but another Harper layup and four conversions at the free throw line in the final 90 seconds pulled the visitors within six, 34-28.
Despite Wayland rebuilding its lead to 12 points just five minutes into the first half, the visitors were able to pull within as few as five – after a Harper triple followed by another layup to force a 51-46 score – but a 12-4 response from the Pioneers down the stretch inevitably returned the deficit back to double figures, where it would stay.
"I can't say enough about this team, and especially about this group of seniors," said head coach Jason Beschta after the game. "I am so thankful for them and honored to have coached each and every one.
"This season had a lot of highs and lows, but these guys continued to stick together and fight. They found joy in whatever they did, whether that be games or practices or time spent on the bus or inside the lockerroom. This team may not have reached some of our goals for the year, but there is no question that we would call this season a success by criteria that matter more than just wins and losses. This team is special, not only for things they have done, but for who they are. What a priviledge to have spent this time together."
The loss was John Brown's first of the season that it couldn't complete the win when shooting over 45 percent. The Golden Eagles finished the contest 23-of-49 (47 percent), but committed 17 turnovers and allowed Wayland Baptist to shoot 54 percent from the floor (29-of-54).
In his collegiate finale, Harper led all scorers with 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting. Junior DJ Ellis added 11 points, while junior Payton Guiot contributed 11 off the bench, including three triples, to accompany four assists. Perrier grabbed seven rebounds in the loss.
RJ Mason paced the Pioneer offense to the tune of 21 points and six rebounds. Jaxon Recer added 18 points and 10 rebounds while three others scored nine or eight points each.
Wayland Baptist will now advance to face top-seeded Science & Arts (Okla.) in the semifinals on Monday (Feb. 28) inside the Gaulke Activity Center in Oklahoma City.
