Mishaps Down the Stretch Leaves Bobcats Empty-Handed
The Bryant & Stratton College men?s basketball team went on the road last night and suffered an 85-83 overtime loss to Kishwaukee College...
MILWAUKEE, WI (January 31, 2018) – The Bryant & Stratton College men's basketball team went on the road last night and suffered an 85-83 overtime loss to Kishwaukee College (5-18). The Bobcats (12-12) led 79-77 with two minutes remaining in overtime but after a few crucial turnovers, the Kougars gained an 81-79 lead and never looked back.
Starting the game, the Bobcats got out to a 20-12 lead after two made free throws by freshman forward, Chris DeBose. At the five-minute mark, the Bobcats went cold and the Kougars changed the momentum cutting the deficit and tying the game up at 22-22.
Trying to help his team get the game back on track, returning Second Team All-District player, Lewrenzo Byers, knocked down a tough three-point shot which gave the Bobcats a 25-22 lead with just over four minutes remaining in the half.
"It was a physical battle by both teams," Bobcats head coach Brian Richert said. "We went on runs and then they would get hot and go on runs which is the nature of the game at times."
At the half, the Bobcats held on to a one-point lead with a score of 36-35.
Half way through the second half, the score was tied 56-56 as both teams were executing offensively. After a defensive rebound by Jeffrey Steel and a jump shot knocked down by Chris DeBose, the Bobcats got out to a five-point lead and had momentum swinging their way.
"We were rolling at that point and not making any mistakes," Richert said. "We weren't allowing any second chance opportunities and we were getting great looks at the basket offensively."
In the remaining minutes, the Kougars retaliated and forced multiple turnovers which led to 72-72 score and put the game into overtime. Throughout overtime it was a neck and neck battle as the Bobcats trailed by just one with 45 seconds remaining and had possession of the ball.
After a forced turnover by Kishwaukee, the Bobcats had to send the Kougars to the line which allowed them to extend the lead and walk off the court with a two-point victory.
Leading the way for the Bobcats was Chris DeBose (Milwaukee, WI) with 20 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Lewrenzo Byers (Brown Deer, WI) added 16 points off the bench and Luka Kristijan (Croatia) tacked on another 15 points.
The Bobcats now fall to 9-7 in region play as Kishwaukee improves to 3-17.
Looking to improve upon this loss, the Bobcats will prepare for their next battle that takes place on Saturday at Gogebic Community College. Previously this season the Bobcats defeated Gogebic 96-62 at home on December 9 and will look to have a similar result again this time around at their place.
Tip-off will take place at 3:00pm.
Spectators can watch the Bobcats live on the official YouTube Channel