Mustangs Overtake Eutectics on the Backstretch

CONWAY, ARK. – After a thrilling 72-70 victory over Oakland City University at home on Thursday, the Eutectic men's basketball team took to the road on Friday to get to Conway, Ark., for the team's first American Midwest Conference (AMC) contest of the season on Saturday afternoon. The Eutectics started strong, looking to upset the favored Central Baptist University (5-8, 2-0 AMC) team on its home court. But, the Mustangs turned the tide in the second half to earn a 71-58 win over the Eutectics (now 3-9) and maintain their sizable series advantage over UHSP (now 23-1).

GAME HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Eutectics stormed out of the gate, going up 12-5 after five minutes. A quick surge by the Mustangs tied the game at 15 apiece after 10 minutes, but the Eutectics held them off, pulling ahead 28-17 following back-to-back triples from Bryant Odunayo with around five minutes left in the half.
• The Mustangs then went on a 12-5 scoring run before halftime to cut the Eutectic lead to 33-29 at intermission. But, the Eutectics, led by Landon Engelage's perfect half (3-3 from the floor, including two threes, and 4-4 from the line), finished the half with impressive 55% shooting from the floor (11-20) and 60% (6-10) from the arc, while the Mustangs struggled, averaging 37.5% overall and 36.4% from the arc.
• The Eutectics held onto the lead for the first five minutes of the second half, but a layup from Alexander Dalton III tipped the score in favor of the home team, 39-38, for the first time at 14:53. The Purple and Gold converted a couple of free throws to regain the lead at 40-39, but Dalton III followed that up with a triple to put the Mustangs up for good, leading 42-40 at 12:38.
• The CBC lead had extended to 50-41 with 10 minutes left in the game. A couple of made free throws from Engelage got the Eutectics within six (59-53) with just over four minutes on the clock, but the Mustangs drained eight-of-eight free throws in the finals minutes and held the Eutectics to five points to secure the 71-58 victory.
• The Mustangs improved their shooting in the second half by 15% to finish the game at 46% from the floor, while the Eutectics dropped to 41% overall. The Eutectics made 8-20 threes (40%) in the game while the Mustangs went 6-17 (35.3%), and UHSP outrebounded CBC 29-27. But, the Mustangs forced 28 Eutectic turnovers that resulted in 27 CBC points, while giving up 10 fewer (18) turnovers of their own.
• Landon Engelage led the Eutectics with 21 points, going 4-5 overall, 2-3 in threes, and 11-12 from the charity stripe. Justin Coleman also reached double figures with 13 points, tacking on three steals. Brennen Walker recorded seven rebounds and two blocks along with his two points. Bryant Odunayo (8), David Moore (6), Braylon Rios (3), Carmello Bostwick (3), and Braeden Jordan (2) also scored for UHSP. Jordan also picked up four assists.
• Dalton Alexander III finished with 22 points to lead CBC.
• The Eutectics will return home to continue with Conference play, hosting Mission University (4-8) for the Patriots' first AMC contest of the season on Monday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. following the women's 5:30 p.m. matchup.