Seniors Honored, but Cougars Prove too Much for Eutectics

ST. LOUIS, MO. – The Eutectics men's basketball team hosted the No. 1 American Midwest Conference seed Columbia College Cougars (25-3, 13-1) on Saturday in the final regular-season game of the year. Seniors Braylon Rios and Landon Engelage were honored before the game, both having played all four seasons for the Eutectics. Engelage led UHSP with 17 points in his final appearance in the UHSP Gymnasium, marking the 15th time this season he has led the team in scoring. The Cougars earned their second win this month over the Eutectics, 84-60.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS:
CC 84, UHSP 60

• Brennen Walker had a strong first three minutes, recording the Eutectics' first two points along with a blocked shot and a defensive rebound. However, the Cougars jumped out to an early 9-2 lead, forcing the Euts to play from behind.
• The Cougars led 37-22 at halftime. They more than doubled-up the Euts from beyond the arc, shooting 38.5%, while UHSP went 2-for-12 (16.7%). Walker paced the home team in the first half with 7 points and added 2 rebounds.
• Scoring 14 of his 17 points in the second half, Engelage went to work to fend off the Cougars and helped keep the Purple and Gold competitive, as UHSP posted a 38-47 second-half score.
• The first-half deficit proved too much to overcome against a consistent Columbia squad. The Cougars shot 50.8% from the field, 42.9% from three, and 71.4% from the free-throw line, while the Eutectics finished at 36.4%, 32.1%, and 55% in those categories. UHSP was also outrebounded 41-24.
• Engelage finished with 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Brennen Walker added 10 points and 4 rebounds. Jasmin Suvalija and Yigit Ekinci each scored 8 points, with Ekinci also dishing out 4 assists.

UP NEXT:
The Eutectics conclude the regular season with an overall record of 5-22 and a 2-12 mark in the AMC, earning the No. 8 seed in the conference. UHSP will compete in the AMC Championship Tournament in Springfield, Mo., next week, beginning postseason play with a rematch against No. 1 Columbia College on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 2:15 p.m.