(Glendale, AZ) The Park University Gilbert men’s basketball team dropped a Saturday afternoon contest to No. 10 Arizona Christian 84-56 at the ACU Events Center. The Bucs fall to 6-8 on the season as they close out their non-conference schedule.
A slow start doomed the Buccos from the opening tip as the Firestorm went on a 27-4 run over the first 9:45 to start the game. Undaunted, the Bucs continued to battle for the last 10 minutes of the half, outscoring the Firestorm 21-14 over the last half of the first stanza to cut the lead to 41-25 at the half.
Park shot only 29 percents from the floor in the first half to 38 percent from ACU, although the Bucs outrebounded the Firestorm 22-17. Nine Buccaneer turnovers led to 20 Firestorm points, while the Bucs came up empty on ACU turnovers, not scoring at all off of the Firestorms four miscues.
ACU started the second half with a 17-7 run and continued to cruise home from there as both benches emptied. Neither team shot the ball particularly well on the afternoon as Park finished shooting 32 percent for the game and ACU stayed at 38 percent. The Firestorm made 12 three-point baskets to only four for the Bucs.
Individually, Caleb Ivy led the teams with 11 points in 26 minutes. He also pulled down six rebounds. Carnacion Cosby came off the bench to score 10 points with four boards. Point guard LC Ballard led the group with nine rebounds and eight points.
The Buccaneers now return to Cal Pac Conference play where they will travel to take on Saint Katherine and Westcliff this upcoming week. The Bucs play USK on Thursday, January 4 at 5 p.m. Arizona time and Westcliff on Saturday, January 6 at 4 p.m. Arizona time.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
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