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Box Score 2 LANCASTER, Calif. --- The Pioneers' valiant comeback attempt fell just short in a 76-75 loss at West Coast Baptist College on Monday night. The game was played before a packed house of wild and crazy fans at the small NCCAA college, which is located about 65 miles north of Los Angeles in the Antelope Valley of the Mojave Desert.
"West Coast Baptist dictated the way the game was going to be played" said WBU Head Coach Matt Garnett. "They are a good team, and a lot of credit needs to go to them."
Wayland, which trailed by as many as 17 points in the second half, had a chance to tie it with 7.9 seconds left on the clock, but Johnny Terra's jump shot from the baseline hit off the rim. The Eagles hit both of their free throws after a Pioneer foul to make it a four-point game. TJ Jacobs put down a trey as time expired to close the gap to one.
"We knew going in the key was to establish the style of game that we needed to play, but with our defensive effort, we were not able to do that. We had way too many breakdowns, and had to play from behind too early.
"I am proud of the way we battled to come back and give ourselves a chance. I have to do a better job of teaching our guys how to handle late game situations. I need to give us a better chance down the stretch, and I did not do that tonight."
Bobby Watkins finished with 18 points, most of them in the second half, to lead WBU. Isaiah Jackson had 15 when he fouled out with almost ten minutes remaining in the game. Jacobs also scored 15 points.
The two teams will meet again on Tuesday evening at 11 p.m. (CST) to wrap up the Pioneers' California road trip.
