Free-Throw Shooting Plagues Rhema

The Rhema Eagles lost a hard-fought game to the Crowley’s Ridge College Pioneers 80-75 in Paragould, Arkansas, on Saturday. Rhema held a three-point halftime advantage, but was outscored 42-34 in the closing half to account for the five-point loss.

The Eagles (2-11) shot the ball well for the game, hitting 47 percent (32-for-68) of their shots from the floor. The Pioneers shot even better, connecting on 49 percent (32-for-66) of their shots, including 44 percent (7-for-16) from behind the arc. Free throws continue to be a weakness for the Eagles as they only managed to hit four of their 12 attempts (33 percent).

Freshman guard Brody Christian led the Eagles with a season-high 17 points on 50 percent (7-for-14) shooting. Freshman forward Marc Gustin notched his first double-double of the season with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Sophomore guard Caylan Andre narrowly missed his first double-double of the season, scoring 11 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Kasey Byrd and Mike Jenkins added 14 points and 10 points, respectively.

The Eagles return to action Friday, January 13, when they travel to St. Louis, Missouri, to compete in the Martin Luther King Classic. Game time has yet to be announced.