Late First Half Surge Leads Warriors to Victory

Sterling, Kan. - To start the new year off right, the Warriors looked to secure a win against the Valor from Evangel University.  Sterling fought hard to obtain a lead late in the first half, then maintained their lead throughout the second half to come away with a big 87-75 win.

The Warriors struggled to find their offense in the first five minutes of play, as Evangel jumped out to a 17-7 lead. Over the next 10 minutes, the Warriors began chipping away at the Valor lead, eventually taking the lead with five minutes left in the first half.  A layup by Mooch Austin and a pair of threes by Lucas Briar and Brandon Doss gave the Warriors their first lead of the game. The halftime score was 37-31, Sterling.

The second half was led by the Warriors. Evangel did cut it close a few times. Sterling seemed to come up with big shots when they were needed. Those shots came once again from Austin, Briar, Doss and Christian Allen. The feeling on the court was energetic as both teams fought with every ounce they had.  Ultimately, the outcome was the Warriors on top 87-75 after a very physical game. 

The Warriors were led in scoring by Lucas Briar with 15 points followed behind Brandon Doss and Christian Allen both with 13 apiece. Doss slated a season high 9 assists with Austin right behind with 6. Balanced scoring led to 5 Warriors scoring in double figures. Defensively, Doss added 4 steals, his third time this season with that total, with Austin and Briar adding 3 steals each.

Sterling is 9-3 this season and 5-2 in KCAC play. With the win, Sterling leapfrogs Evangel in the conference standings and now sit in a 3-way tie for 4^th place, just one game out of a tie for first place. Sterling takes on one of those first place teams on the road Saturday in Bartlesville, Okla. against Oklahoma Wesleyan University. OKWU has been a powerhouse for several season, but has already tasted defeat once in conference play. The opening tip is scheduled for 4 pm.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.