Point Lookout, MO – The Pioneers got a much-needed win Monday as they defeated the College of the Ozarks 73-61 on the strength of a balanced scoring attack and strong defensive play.
Wayland started strong and opened up an 8-0 lead with 17:02 remaining in the first half on two baskets each by
Brett Leach and
James Lee. The Pioneers held the lead until the 7:28 mark when the Bobcats tied the game at 21-all. College of the Ozarks took their largest lead of the game when they led 24-21 with 5:38 left in the half. The Pioneers closed the half on a 14-2 run to head into halftime with a 35-26 lead.
Wayland continued their hot streak and scored the first twelve points of the second half to extend their lead to twenty-one points, 47-26, with 16:55 remaining in the game. The Bobcats never got closer than twelve points, the final margin of victory for the Pioneers.
Wayland had four players score in double figures led by
Brett Leach with 16 points. Leach also added two rebounds an assist and a steal.
Kabine Kaba,
James Lee and
Quenton Coleman scored 10 points each. Kaba also grabbed a game high 14 rebounds, to record his second straight double-double. In addition to his scoring, Lee contributed 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Coleman nabbed 4 rebounds and had an assist and a steal.
Niko Noumeros, narrowly missed double figures, scoring 9 points while also getting 4 rebounds, 2 blocks and an assist.
Dylan McDougal added 8 points, 3 assists, a rebound and a steal.
Joshua Tucker went 2 for 3 from the 3-point line to score 6 points while
Jaxon Recer and
Alex Rojas each scored 2 points.
Next up for the Pioneers is a huge Senior Night match-up with Mid-America Christian University on Thursday, February 20. The game will tip-off at the Hutcherson Center at 8:00 PM.
