CONCORDIA, Kan.- Much like their female peers, the men did not play to their full capabilities in a loss to Butler on Wednesday. Similarly again, the results were much more encouraging on Saturday.
Havin won today's matchup with the Thunderbirds 63-56, the Beavers were led by Julian Eziukwu, who finished the day with 13 points and 10 rebounds, his fourth double-double of the season. The big freshman finished the day 60 percent from the floor (6-10). Jamel Horton was the other Beaver to finish the day in double-figures, as he added 10 points along with a game-high five assists.
A tight ballgame early in the first half, the Beavers used a 11-0 run to jump out to a 29-19 lead at the six-minute mark. The Thunderbirds countered however, closing out the first-half on a 11-2 run. The Beavers led 31-30 at the halftime break.
Pratt managed to extend its lead little by little as the second half unfolded, eventually leaading 51-38 just over the 11-minute mark. Over the final 10 minutes of the game, the Beavers kept Cloud County at arm's length, not allowing the Thunderbirds to truly threaten the scoreboard. As they tend to do in the midst of a winning score, Coach Flynn's team won the turnover battle, surrendering possession 12 times compared to Cloud County's 18. The Beavers also secured more high-percentage baskets, outscoring the Thunderbirds 36-18 in the paint.
Men's basketball will play in the second game of a doubleheader against Barton on Monday night, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM.