Pride Rally Past Missouri Valley 88-84

Pride Rally Past Missouri Valley 88-84
Box Score
December 10, 2022

MARSHALL, Mo. – After a seven-day break from action, the Clarke University men's basketball team snapped their three-game losing streak with an 88-84 victory over Missouri Valley on Saturday evening.

The Vikings scored the first nine points of the ballgame and the Pride saw themselves trailing 20-6 with 14 minutes remaining in the first half. The Pride would go on a 22-11 run to put themselves within three points with the score 31-28 with five minutes to play in the first. The Vikings would answer right back and took a 42-35 lead into half.

After trailing by seven points at the break, the Pride would rally all the way back and win the second half 41-34 to force overtime. The Pride saw themselves trailing 74-65 with over two minutes remaining right after a Viking made basket. Anthony Eddy and Chris Burnell would take over and go on an 11-2 run for the remainder of regulation.

The overtime period looked similar to the end of regulation as the trio of Chandler Dean, Eddy, and Burnell would each hit a three and the defense would make timely stops in pursuit of an 88-84 victory.

Burnell made his return to the starting lineup and contributed 22 points on 6-13 shooting and six rebounds. The Pride had three other players in double figures as Biggie Luster came away with his third double-double of the season scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Eddy and Dean scored 19 and 15, respectfully.

Despite only shooting 36% from the floor and 38% from deep, the Pride were able to win the turnover battle as they forced 23 and only surrendered seven.

When asked about today's game, Pride men's basketball coach Jim Blaine said, "We needed it. Happy for our guys. When you're down big like we were you can play with reckless abandon and we did. Forced some mistakes and took advantage by finally hitting some shots. It's fun to see them joyful."

Pride men's basketball will continue their short three-game road trip with a matchup at Mount Mercy University next Thursday at 7:30 p.m. CT in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.