When Shots Won’t Fall, the Mustangs Do, 79-66

The Master’s College made 31% of its shots in the first half and never recovered Thursday in a 79-66 loss to Oklahoma Baptist in a second-round game of the NAIA Division I national men’s basketball tournament in Tulsa, Okla.

The unseeded Mustangs (22-13) made only 11 of 36 shots in the first and finished 24 of 67 (35.8%) from the field in the game.

Joey Penberthy scored 18 points, but hit only six of 17 shots, including two of six from three-point range.

Oklahoma Baptist, seeded 12th, hit 16 of 31 shots in the first half to open a 38-28 halftime lead.

The Bison (31-6) set up a quarterfinal game today at 4 p.m. against Westmont College of Santa Barbara.

Master’s trailed by 20 points in the second half, but was able to cut the deficit to eight points before Oklahoma Baptist extended the lead to double digits in the final minutes.

Todd Whittington hit five of 11 shots to finish with 13 points, while Reggie McFerren contributed 11 points, but made only three of 13 shots for Master’s.

Jaclin Julmist had nine rebounds and three steals.

Quinn Woolridge of Oklahoma Baptist scored 21 points, hitting three three-point baskets and eight of 10 free throws.

Steven Lookout had 20 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots, and Brent Ansel had 14 points and nine rebounds for the Bison.

Oklahoma Baptist shot 50% (28 of 56) from the field and 69% (18 of 26) at the line. The Bison outrebounded Master’s, 40-38, and committed more turnovers, 15-13.

Master’s shot 33% (seven of 21) from three-point range. Oklahoma Baptist made five of 16 (31.3%).