Pratt (9-6) at Coffeyville (6-8)
Saturday, Jan. 8, 2021 | 4 PM CT | Nellis Hall
RedRavensAthletics.com | KMMM 1290 AM
Pratt, Kan. – The Beavers will travel across the state to take on the Coffeyville Red Ravens on Saturday. The game is scheduled for 4:00 pm.
On The Air
Saturday's game can be heard on KMMM 1290 with Austin McNorton calling the action. McNorton is in his first year as voice of the Beavers. The game will be streamed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6T5olnoVedbKej3mrda07Q/featured.
Last Time Out
The Pratt Community College (PCC) Beavers rang in the new year with their first game of 2022 against the Garden City Community College (GCCC) Broncbusters. The Beavers came into the game riding high on finishing 2021 with a three-game winning streak. On the other side, the Broncbusters had wrapped up the previous year with losing three out of their last four games. The stage was set on a frigid night in Pratt for the Beavers to continue their home court dominance and start 2022 with a new year.
From the tip the Broncbusters ran their half court press against Pratt which lead to early turnovers and a lead for Garden City. As the first half continued, the Beavers adjusted to the Broncbuster press and started to cut the lead. Sophomore guard Nasan Ayala game the Beavers a one-point lead at half with a buzzer beating three-point basket. In the second half, the Broncbusters did not let up on their half court press, but the Beavers were able to score points in transition.
At the 4:03 mark of the second half the Beavers tied the game off a three-point basket by sophomore guard Eric Rhymes. A minute later the Broncbusters took a 2-point lead 76-74 and held on to the lead for the remainder of the game. The Beavers pulled within one point twice off a made free throw by sophomore guard Tommy Thomas and a layup by Ayala. At the 1:03 minute mark Ayala missed a layup that would have given the Beavers a one-point lead. Garden City pulled ahead by three points with 18 seconds left. As time was expiring Rhymes took a three-point shot and was fouled on the play. With a chance to tie the game Rhymes made his first free throw, but missed his second. After a Beaver timeout, Rhymes purposely missed his third free throw with sophomore forward Harrison Eghan getting the rebound, but missed the put back. Garden City held on to win 80-78.
Scouting the Red Ravens
The Red Raves enter this game with a 6-8 overall and a 3-5 conference record. On Wednesday night they defeated Cloud County in triple overtime 93-89 on the road. They return home for the first time since December 8th.
As a team they average 76.1 points, 37.3 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. Sophomore guard Love Bettis leads the team with 17.5 points a game. In addition, the Red Raves have three additional players who average over 10 points a game including freshman Dayshawn Wiley, sophomore Deng Mayar, and sophomore A.J. McBride. On the other side of the ball sophomore forward Blaise Kelta averages 9 rebounds a game all coming from the defensive side of the ball.
Last Season vs. Red Ravens
The Beavers faced the Pirates one-time last season on the road and lost 91-58.
Turnovers a Problem Against Garden City
On Wednesday night against the Broncbusters the Beavers turned the ball over 28 times which lead to 26 points for Garden City. It was the third conference game for the Beavers this season in which they turned the ball over 25+ times. The Beavers will look to correct this stat at Coffeyville and take better care of the ball and their possessions. This season they are averaging 16.9 turnovers a game overall and in conference play it is 19.2 a game.
Facing Defending National Champions
The Beavers will face the defending NJCAA National Champions tomorrow on the road. Last April the Red Ravens cut down the nets in Hutchinson, KS after defeating fellow conference opponent Cowley College 108-99. Six athletes return from the championship team a year ago. That includes leading scorer in the championship game sophomore forward Blaise Kelta.
It Is Still Morris Time
Freshman forward Cam Morris has continued his dominance in averaging a double-double this season. On Wednesday night, Morris had 21 points and 14 rebounds for the Beavers. In addition, to averaging a double-double Morris has also been shooting lights out from the free throw line. He was 10-12 from the line against Garden City.
Up Next
The Beavers will return home on Wednesday night, January 12th to take on the Conquistadors from Dodge City Community College. Game is scheduled for a 7:30 pm tip.