Kirkwood outlasts John Wood in BIG win
The No. 1 ranked Kirkwood Men's Basketball team earned their 4th win of the season Wednesday night against a ranked NJCAA DII opponent in No. 17 John Wood CC (84-71). In large part due to an all-around great offensive effort as the team shot a season-best 58.3% from the field and 50% from the 3-point line (8-16 3FG). The Eagles had six players score in double figures, as well as a seventh who scored 9 points. Going into the game there was key emphasis put on how physical and active the Blazers were on the offensive glass, and the Eagles responded holding them to only 8 offensive rebounds and winning the overall rebounding battle 34-26.
This game saw significant scoring additions from two Freshmen who came off the bench for the Eagles. One being, forward Justin Recker who scored 11 points on an efficient 4-5 shooting effort from the field. Two of which were from beyond the arc that was huge momentum shots in the first half to help extend the lead.
The other impact player who came off the bench was Freshman, Cassius Brooks. Brooks lived in the paint for the Eagles all night where he went 5-7 from the field and chalked up a total of 14 points. Not only did he make an impact on the offensive end, but really made his presence known on the defensive side of the ball, with constant ball pressure and guarding John Wood's point guards for the majority of the night. Brooks recorded three steals and three rebounds on that end.
The best shooting effort from behind the arc was led by none other than hot shooting duo, Jaleque Dunson and Dre Anderson who combined to go 6-10 from behind the arc.
The Eagles will be back in action on Friday in Ottumwa, IA where they will compete against North Central Missouri CC in the Bowling RV Classic hosted by Indian Hills. The tip is set for 3:00 pm at the Hellyer Center.
