Zak Kirkman hit a free throw with under a minute to play to help the Warriors defeat a tough Barclay College Bear team 62-59 in Haviland, Kansas on Friday night. With the win, the Warriors are 4-2 in the MCCC Conference heading into tournament week. This important win helped them earn the #2 seed for the upcoming tournament that will take place in Kansas City.
“I am always grateful for every win,” Warrior Head Coach Matt Sanders said. “We had a long drive today. Barclay pressured us all evening and we were really fortunate to win that game. We were the best defensively we have been all season.” The Warriors came into the game after losing a tough one Tuesday night vs. Manhattan Christian. Defensively they wanted to make a big impact on this game.
In the opening half, Calvary held Barclay to 25 points. It was a great defensive half. There were missed offensive opportunities with some missed layups that would have given them a larger lead at the half, but the team responded in a large way as the second half was beginning. They came out and went on a 15-2 run to start the 2nd half. Turnovers once again were an issue but the team got key stops and rebounds when it counted most.
“I felt like we overcame a lot of adversity late in the game,” said guard Ben Jones. “We really came together as a team to get the job done.”
“These guys worked hard and we are happy to be heading home 4-2 in the conference,” Coach Sanders said. “It has been a long time since Calvary University has been in this position and we are just beginning.” Ben Jones finished the night with 12 points and 11 rebounds. He had a monster alley oop dunk that will be on the season highlight reel for sure. Zeb Green finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Warriors return home for a game on Thursday evening as the team begins play in the 2019 MCCC Conference Tournament.
