Master’s Pulls Up in the Stretch Again, 86-80

The Master’s College Coach Mel Hankinson said it was a case of a senior-dominated team beating a team of underclassmen.

Master’s guard Jeff Newton attributed it to little mistakes.

Whatever the reason, the Mustangs on Tuesday night at Bross Gymnasium lost another close game down the stretch.

Trailing visiting Christian Heritage by 13 points early in the second half, Master’s stormed back to take a five-point lead with 5 minutes 45 seconds left before losing, 86-80, in an NAIA District 3 game.

It was the 11th Master’s game this season that has been decided by six points or less--and the Mustangs have a dismal 3-8 record in those contests. Leading, 77-76, with 3:07 left, Master’s was outscored, 10-3, down the stretch.

“We had them, but we didn’t put them away,” said Newton, a junior forward who had 16 points and three steals. “We haven’t put anyone away all season. . . . That’s something we have to learn to do.”

Christian Heritage (18-4, 9-2 in district play) was led by sharpshooters Brad Soucie (26 points) and Will Cunningham (23). The pair combined to hit 16 of 28 shots from the field and 12 of 22 three-point shots.

Soucie’s final three-point bomb gave the Hawks an 81-77 lead with 1:45 left and the Mustangs never got closer than three points.

“I think the last couple of minutes just came down to a team of seniors against a team of basically sophomores and freshmen,” Hankinson said. “And when that happens, the seniors are usually going to win.”

Tom Bruner scored a team-high 23 points for Master’s (14-13, 6-5), and fellow sophomores Damon Greer and Jason Webster each added 12 points. All of Greer’s came after intermission.

Trailing, 51-38, early in the second half, Master’s outscored Christian Heritage, 23-7, in the next 7:58 to take a 61-58 lead with 10:22 remaining. Greer and Newton led the Mustang charge, scoring six and four points during the run.