SILOAM SPRINGS- John Brown University (11-8, 3-5 SAC) out-battled the Cavs on Saturday evening, to earn a 77-64 victory. The Golden Eagles jumped out to an early lead in the low scoring first half. The Cavs trailed 21-10 mid-way through the first half, but they were able to cut the deficit to only 5, with 5 minutes left in the half. However, JBU would pull away again to have a 37-26 lead at halftime.
The second half was played much like it was played in the first. It was a gritty, hard fought contest, and both teams shot almost the same field goal percentage, both teams shot similar free throw percentages, JBU only had two more turnovers than SGU, and both benches had the same offensive effectiveness. The big differences in the game were JBU's ability to knock down 12 three pointers, their abilility to out-rebound the Cavs, and the Golden Eagles distribution of the basketball.
Brandon Joseph's big night led JBU with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Zach English was the only other player for JBU to score in double figures, with 17 points. Samuel Egedi pulled down 10 rebounds, to go with his two points. As a team, the Golden Eagles are the nations ninth best rebounding team (31.556 PG), and they have the eleventh best three point percentage (.392).
Saint Gregory's (7-8, 3-5 SAC) had five players score in double figures on the night. Michale Maras score a team high, 13 points, followed by James Bickers (SO/Tulsa, Okla.)' 12 points and 5 rebounds. Jordan Rutherford (SR/Houston, Texas) scored 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, and Pablo Bianchi (JR/Jundiai, Brazil) also scored 11 points. Kilder Gonzalez (JR/Maracaibo, Venezuela) put in a solid performance of 10 points and 6 rebounds.
The Cavaliers will play at home on Thurs., Jan. 26, as they take on Wayland Baptist University at 8 PM.