Pride rally but fall to Central Methodist 78-77

DUBUQUE, Iowa – In a nail-biting finish, the Clarke University men's basketball team was defeated 78-77 by Central Methodist University.

With six seconds remaining the Pride were in the lead 77-76 and the Eagles were looking to take the final shot, but they would get fouled, sending forward Peter Turay to the free throw line where he would sink both to go up 78-77.

With one second on the clock, Biggie Luster would heave a half-court shot that bounced off the rim to end the ballgame.

It was a game of runs as the Pride would end the first half on a 17-2 run to take control at 41-37, but the momentum wouldn't last as it was the Eagles turn to make a run. Beginning at the 15:43 mark in the second half, a 21-8 run quieted the home crowd, as the scoreboard read 68-61 with CMU in the lead with over seven minutes to play.

The Pride's frontcourt of Jake Layman and Jacob Fierst would rally the Pride back scoring six points during a quick 11-2 run to put the home team back ahead 72-70 with over three minutes left leading to the nail-biting finish.

The Eagles had all five starters in double-figures with Isaiah Williams and Everett Stubblefield leading the box score each netting 12 points.

For the Pride, Luster the current Heart Conference player of the week scored 21 points on 8-16 (50%) shooting and grabbed seven rebounds in 39 minutes of play to lead the offense. Fierst was right behind Luster with 18 points in 29 minutes of play.

The Pride will next take on Benedictine College on Saturday, Nov. 18th beginning at 2:00 p.m. CT.