(San Marcos, CA) The Park University Gilbert men’s basketball team dropped a heartbreaking 87-77 decision to the University of Saint Katherine today at the USK Sports Complex in San Marcos Calif. The Bucs drop to 6-9 overall and 2-3 in California Pacific Conference play.
The final score was not indicative of how close this game was throughout. The Bucs led at halftime and for the early portion of the second half. But USK, one the favorites to win the conference this season managed to break the game open midway through the second half and was able to hold on.
The Buccaneers had one of their best shooting games of the year as they shot 57 percent from the floor in the first half to keep the game close as USK led most of the period. Park had a one-point lead at the 17:31 mark and then did not lead again until halftime. But in the interim they kept the Firebirds on their toes, answering every bucket and run by USK with one of its own.
The backcourt duo of Caleb Ivy (8 pts) and LC Ballard (6) along with bench players DJ Frye (8) and Carnacion Cosby (6) paced the first half surge combining for 28 or the Bucs 41 first half points.
In the second half, USK managed to get out in front a couple minutes into the half, but Park kept things close, not allowing the Firebirds out of their sights. With just under 13 minutes to go, USK opened up its largest to eight on a three-point basket and extended it to 10 on a couple of free throws.
The Buccos would not cave as they quickly cut it to five on a three-pointer by Kylan Shortsmaking his first regular season start of the year and a two-point basket by Terrance Ward. USK would slowly work it back up to a 12-point advantage with about six minutes remaining, but Park would slowly get back into the game on the backs of Ivy and Frye. The duo would score 10 of the Bucs next 12 points as they went on a 12-3 run to cut the lead to three (80-77) with 2:23 to go.
A Firebird layup and a missed bunny by Park led to what was one possibly the pivotal possession of the game. Down five and with the shot clock running down for USK, Maur Tablada drained a fall away three-point basket to increase the lead to eight with just under a minute to play. The dagger three by USK took the steam out of the Bucs comeback and USK made two free throws down the stretch to bring the final score to 87-77.
The Bucs shots 52 percent from the floor for the game but struggled from three only making three long range shots, while the Firebirds kept themselves in the game with 10 trifectas including seven in the second half. USK shot 50 percent from the floor.
Both teams took care of the basketball with 14 turnovers for Park and 13 for USK. The Firebirds dominated the boards with 35 rebounds to 26 for the Bucs.
Individually, Ivy led the way with 19 points, his second 19 point game of the season and one off of his career high. He also tied for the team high with six rebounds. Frye set a career high with 17 points and he grabbed five boards. Shorts and LC Ballard each had three assists. Shorts chipped in with 10 points.
Things do not get any easier for the Buccaneers as they travel to Irvine, Calif., to take on Westcliff on Saturday, January 6 at 5 p.m. Westcliff won the Cal Pac Conference basketball tournament last season.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
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