Buffs defeat Patriots in King Classic

Milligan College, Tenn. (Nov. 9, 2007) --- The Milligan College men's basketball team battled with the Patriots of the University of the Cumberlands Friday night, and when the final horn sounded the Buffs won over the Patriots 80-73. 

The first half went back and forth, changing leads six times throughout the duration of the period. The second half was much more stable for the Buffs as they were never behind during the period. The Patriots gave the Buffs a scare with just over 11 minutes left in the game, but the Buffs extended their lead shortly there after and hung on to defeat the Patriots. 

The Buffs field goal percentage was 57.9% (33-57), while the Patriots went 46% (29-63) from the field. The Patriots out rebounded the Buffs 29 to 25, but the Buffs managed to only turn the ball over eight times, opposed to the Patriots 15. 

Sophomore Danny McKeehan (Morrow, Ohio.) played big for the Buffs tallying 19 points and six rebounds. Junior Jeff Barnes (Franklin, Tenn.) was one rebound away from another double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds.  Freshman Davis Warner (Smyrna, Tenn.) racked up 15 points, four assists, and three rebounds.  Leading in assists tonight was Tyler Estepp (Limestone, Tenn.) with five.   

“I was really pleased with the effort the guys gave tonight,” said Milligan College Head Coach Tony Wallingford. “We covered a lot of mistakes by our aggressive play. We were also fortunate that (Cumberlands) did not shoot as well as they normally do. Hopefully we can follow up our performance tonight with another great effort tomorrow.”

The Buffs host the Savannah College of Art and Design Saturday, Nov. 10, for a 3 p.m. tip-off in the second day of the King College Classic.