Garrison Gets Hot, Leads Warriors to Victory

Sterling, Kan. – Warrior basketball has been struggling as of late, bringing a five-game losing streak into the game against the Bethany Swedes. This was just the kind of game Sterling could look at to get their offense back on track. Bethany has an interesting zone that certainly leaves pockets open on the court and the Warriors were able to take advantage. Sterling got back into the win column with an 80-74 win in the Gleason Center.

The first half was a closely contested twenty minutes. Neither team was able to pull away from the other. Sterling spread their scoring out over with seven different players getting in the book. It was Sterling with a 37-33 halftime lead.

Sterling really hit their stride in the second half finding a hole in the zone that gave way to the scoring advantage they had much of the way in the second half. Lucas Briar got things started with a mid-range jump shot which gave way to Jayden Garrison getting hot from both elbow areas. It was this hot shooting that gave them the opportunity to build a 14 point lead halfway through the second half. Over the final 10 minutes of regulation, Bethany methodically picked away at the lead, finally getting it to just four points in the final minute. That was close enough for the coaches, players, and the fans to feel the presence of the Swedes in the gym, but late free throws sealed the deal for Sterling.

Sterling put the brakes on their losing streak and got back into the win category. Garrison led all scorers with 21 points and added 6 rebounds. Elias Ngoga just missed a double-double with 12 points and 9 rebounds being very solid on the offensive end with 6 rebounds. Brandon Doss rounded out the double-digit scoring with 16 points and 3 steals.

Sterling keeps their head above .500 for the time being and will take on the Ottawa University Braves on Saturday, once again in the Gleason Center. There is an early tip scheduled with a 5 pm start.

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.