Season Opener: Bobcats Knock Off #10 Rock Valley
It was an exciting moment for the Bryant & Stratton College men's basketball team as they earned a 82-76 win in their season opener at home against the #10...
WAUWATOSA, WI (November 4, 2018) - It was an exciting moment for the Bryant & Stratton College men's basketball team as they earned a 82-76 win in their season opener at home against the #10 Rock Valley Golden Eagles.
The victory also marked as the first-ever win for Bobcats brand new head coach, Matt Majkrzak, as a head coach.
"We knew it would take 40 minutes of unselfish and tough basketball to win the game," Majkrzak said. "We were fortunate enough to make big plays down the stretch and come out with a win."
Trailing 53-38 with just under 17 minutes left in the game, the Bobcats seemed to be shaken by the Golden Eagles but a crucial made jumper from freshman guard, Manny Jingco, allowed the the Bobcats to get rolling and make a run.
"When we were down 15, I remember smiling and thinking we are just fine," Majkrzak said. "We were missing some shots we normally make and all we needed to do was rebound and stick to doing the little things the right away."
Sticking to the game plan is exactly what the Bobcats did as they rallied back after a made jump shot by guard, Joe Duty, who put the Bobcats within two (60-62) with seven minutes remaining.
After multiple posessions of trading baskets, the Bobcats got over the hump and took a 68-66 lead with just six minutes remaining.
Despite the Bobcats having momentum on their side, the Golden Eagles would not let up as they forced a turnover to regain the lead 70-68 with just under four minutes left in the contest.
Responding to the Golden Eagles agressive play, it was freshman, Chris Thompson, who sealed the game after a clutch layup with seconds remaining to give the the Bobcats a commanding 79-73 lead to run away with the win.
"Having great guard play allows me to trust that the guys will get things fixed," Majkrzak said. "I have tremendous amount of respect for the Rock Valley program and Coach Sandquist which makes me very proud of how we responded to adversity."
Leading the way for the Bobcats was Duty producing 22 points on 7 of 12 shooting from the field followed by Thompson with 16 points off the bench. Jingco added 15 points in 32 minutes and floor general, Justin Brookens, tacked on 11.
UP NEXT:
Looking to build off of their impressive win, the Bobcats will travel to Southeastern Community College on Wednesday where they will look to earn another victory against a very talented NJCAA Division I program.
Tip-off will take place at 7:00pm.
Spectators can view the game live on the OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL
