DULUTH, Minn. -- Oklahoma Baptist kicked off their season with a solid 82-71 win over Minnesota Crookston at Romano Gymnasium. Despite trailing by two points at halftime, the Bison surged in the second half, outscoring Crookston 43-30 to seal the game.
The game remained close in the first half with nine ties and five lead changes. OBU relied on efficient free-throw shooting (80.6%) and a significant rebounding advantage (36-32) to maintain control. Guard
Terry Coner Jr. led the way with 19 points, shooting 9-of-10 from the free-throw line, and added five rebounds and two steals.
Daniel Ransom also contributed, scoring 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting.
Minnesota Crookston kept the score tight early on, particularly with Chandler Meeks and Reid Grant's three-point shooting. Meeks ended with 18 points and went 4-of-4 at the line, while Grant recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. However, Crookston struggled with efficiency in the second half, hitting only 2-of-15 from beyond the arc compared to their 47% three-point shooting in the first half.
The Bison's defense tightened up as well, forcing 12 turnovers and converting them into 10 points. They also excelled in transition, scoring 18 fast-break points.
Ethan Scott provided a spark off the bench with 13 points, including three three-pointers, which helped the Bison widen the lead down the stretch.
Key second-half adjustments from Oklahoma Baptist, including improved perimeter shooting (44% in the second half), helped them pull away in the final minutes. The Bison's poise and free-throw consistency ultimately made the difference, allowing them to close out their season opener on a high note.
Tomorrow at 3 p.m. the Bison will face off with No. 13 (NABC) Minnesota Duluth.
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