JOPLIN, MO – November 29, 2016 – The Calvary University Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams swept Ozark Christian College for the first time in over 23 years with the Women winning 73-62, and the men emerging on top 97-90.
Coming off an 86-54 loss against Central Christian before Thanksgiving, the Lady Warriors had their hands full against a solid Lady Ambassador team. Calvary started the game hot from the three point line which helped them gain an early lead to win the first quarter 22-16. The Lady Ambassadors bounced back in the second quarter, outscoring the Lady Warriors 21-12 and taking a 37-34 lead into halftime. In the third quarter, both teams played fairly even with Ozark outscoring Calvary 18-15, giving them a six-point lead at the end of the third. The fourth quarter was all Calvary. After a few adjustments by the coaches, the Lady Warriors outscored Ozark 24-7, giving them the win 73-62.
Leading the Lady Warriors statistically were Lydia Sharplin with 27 points and nine rebounds, Rilee Walquist contributed 15 points, and Paige Specht added 13 points.
The Men’s team, also coming off a loss, was hungry to get a win in their last conference game before Christmas break. They struggled defensively in the first half, giving up 51 points to a very quick Ozark team, but were able to score a solid 44 points before halftime, despite shooting only 16% from outside the arc. In the second half, the Warriors fought their way back on the defensive end, holding a hot shooting Ozark team to 39 points. On the offensive end, Calvary shot 62% from the floor and 50% from the three-point line, giving them 53 points in the half, and the win 97-90.
Zeb Green led the Warriors with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Hajj Green contributed 23 points and six rebounds. Kalif Spraggins and KeAndre Morrison added 15 points and 14 points respectively.
With the wins, the Lady Warriors are now 1-2 overall, and 1-1 in conference play. The Men are now 2-2 overall, and 1-1 in the Midwest Christian College Conference.
Next, the Men play against Union College on Saturday, December 9 in Lincoln, NE. In their last meeting, Calvary defeated Union at home 87-74.
The Lady Warriors next game will be December 6, at home against Kansas Christian College.
