SILOAM SPRINGS -- The Pioneers shot nearly 60 percent from the field and stretched their winning streak to 10 as the John Brown University men's basketball team lost 97-76 to Wayland Baptist (Texas) on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 11) inside Bill George Arena.
The Pioneers (20-6, 15-5 Sooner Athletic) captured its 10th consecutive victory, its longest in three decades. The streak is currently the sixth-longest active run in the nation.
Shooting 58 percent from the field (38-of-66) and 57 percent from behind the arc (10-of-18), the visitors were led by Reese Spencer's 22 points off the bench and D'Michael Bellfield, who had 19 points and a team-high six rebounds. Josh Servantez matched a season-best by drilling 5-of-6 triples toward his 17 points.
The Golden Eagle (10-15, 8-11) deficit was nine at the intermission following a late 15-8 Pioneer run that opened up a narrow 29-27 visitors lead. Another 22-11 rally to open the second half blew open a 20-point WBU lead as the Pioneers shot 8-of-10 from the field in the first 6:32 of the half.
Freshman Lukas Gabani led John Brown with 14 points on an efficient 6-for-9 shooting effort that included eight rebounds. Senior DJ Ellis provided 13 points and eight assists while senior Tyren Collins came off the bench to produce 12 points. Freshman Malachi Reeves shot 4-of-8 and scored 10 in the loss.
John Brown continues its four-game homestand on Tuesday night (Feb. 14) with a Valentine's Day matchup with Oklahoma City at 7:45 p.m. The matchup, which had been rescheduled twice, is slated to air live on the SAC Sports Network.
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