BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (11-3-09) – It wasn’t pretty, but in the end, the defending national champions got the job done, as the Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles defeated the Falcons from Friends University (Kan.), 110-100.
Big games by Sadiel Rojas and Steve Briggs fueled the Eagles victory. Rojas enjoyed a career night, dropping a career high 36-points on the Falcons. Most players would enjoy the line Rojas had, going 11 for 18 from the field, including four for six from behind the arc and 10 for 10 at the line. He also had 13 rebounds to add to the successful night.
The other returning All-American for the Eagles was Briggs, didn’t let the attending fans down. Briggs added 26 of his own points, many of which came during a hot first half. Briggs, who is known for his long range shooting, hit six shots from the outside. The senior also dished out five assists.
Seniors Mike McNeil and Aron Crowley were the only other two Eagles in double figures with 13 and 10 points respectively.
The Eagles as a team shot just over 58 percent from the field. Also, they did a good job on the boards, out rebounding the Falcons 36 to 24.
After coming out hot in the first half, entering the locker room up 20, the Eagles came out in the second half and extended their lead to near 30-points. However, the Falcons, considered one of the top teams in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, fought back, cutting the lead to just nine. But veteran leadership, along with newcomers Deantre Harlan and Kornilous Donnell, held the visitors off just long enough.
Up next, the Eagles (1-0) will travel to McPherson, Kan., to face KCAC opponent McPherson College on Saturday. Due to KCAC volleyball playoffs, the game time is still to be determined.