Warriors Handle Eagles, Get Back to Winning Ways

Sterling, Kan. - The Warriors took on the Avila University Eagles at home to close out the first half of their season. After a tough road loss to York University, the Warriors were ready to get back in their groove and head into the break with a win.

In the first half, the Warriors took the lead right out of the gate and never relinquished the lead the rest of the way. The Warriors started the game off with the first three baskets, two by Chris Drake and the other by Mooch Austin. Sterling held the Eagles were scoreless for the first four minutes of the game before they got on the board. Midway through the first half, Sterling separated themselves by going on a 21-5 run. That allowed them to open up their biggest lead the of the game at 23 points, and that took them into halftime with a 51-28 lead. Twelve different players scored for the Warriors in the first half. Austin led the Warriors at half with 10 points and Christian Allen followed behind with seven coming off the bench. Sterling shot 23-36 going 63.9% from field goal range. From the three-point line, the Warriors shot 33.3% (3-9)  and finished the half going 100% from the free throw line.

To start the second half, the Eagles scored on the first possession.  Will Thigpen got the Warriors going with a layup two minutes later. Things slowed way down for the Warrior's offense. The Eagles came out ready to play, changing up their defense to try and get the Warriors out of rhythm. The Eagles cut down the lead to 15 with 10 minutes left in the game. The Warriors were able to hold off the Eagles to get the win. The final score from the Gleason Center was 83-66.

The Warriors were led by Austin with 19 points and 3 steals. Brandon Doss and Allen both had 10 points. Chris Drake, who scored six points early in the game, finished with 8 points, but really made an impression grabbing 9 defensive rebounds to lead the Warriors. As a team, Sterling shot nearly 54% from the field, 38% from three point range. Sterling won the rebounding battle, 37-29.

Sterling finished the 2023 portion of this season with an 8-3 (4-2) record. They currently sit tied for 5^th place in the KCAC. The Warriors travel to Stephenville, Texas to take on Tarleton State University in an exhibition game on December 12. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 pm. You can catch all the action on ESPN+ or follow the live stats. More information will be on the Sterling College Athletics website.