Morthland Second Half Rally Falls Short, 90-84

Morthland College Media Services

West Frankfort – After a blistering start by the visiting Pioneers of Crowley’s Ridge, the Patriots’ second half comeback stalled as Morthland fell 90-84 in their first game of the new year.

The first half saw plenty of offense, but it was the Pioneers’ hot shooting that was the story in the first twenty minutes. CRC shot 50 percent from the field, but an even better 54 percent from beyond the arc, resulting in a 16-point halftime deficit for the hosts.

Dylan Burmester did his best to help the Patriots keep pace, with four first half three pointers, but timely scoring from CRC stretched the lead to as large as 17.

Foul trouble also took its toll, and the seven-man rotation at the disposal of Coach Rich Herrin was put to the test early, as Tyler Burmester and Ashton Worgu picked up four and three fouls, respectively. Ben McFarland saw extended minutes as a result and played inspired basketball, hitting an early three and collecting numerous important rebounds.

Trailing 57-41 at the beginning of the second half, the Patriots began to mount a comeback and, just over five minutes in, clawed the lead down to two, thanks in part to six points from Aaron Rushing, who spent much of the night  being hounded inside by multiple bodies.

Unfortunately, every Patriot run was met with a Pioneer response, and the hosts were never able to draw level. The early first half foul trouble eventually caught up with Morthland, as Rushing, Worgu, and Tyler Burmester all fouled out of the game, prompting one last effort.

After pulling within three on a Demaria Nance jumper with under 45 seconds to play, CRC was able to withstand the Patriot pressure and close out the game.

Dylan Burmester led the way for the Patriots, finishing with 32 points on eight three pointers. Tyler Burmester finished with 15, Rushing had 14, and McFarland collected nine points and nine boards.

CRC finished with four players in double figures, paced by Cade Niswonger with 21.

Morthland (7-6) will be back in action on Wednesday, January 11, as they take on Logan University on the campus of Rend Lake College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30.

Link to Box Score: http://www.morthlandpatriots.com/stats/2016-17/box_13.html