Buffs snatch road win

Dayton , Tenn. (Feb. 9, 2008) --- The Milligan College Men's basketball team picked up a vital conference road win Saturday against the Lions of Bryan College. The Buffs beat the Lions in a close battle 76-70.

The Buffs led the Lions 37-32 at halftime, but the Lions did not give up in the second half. The Buffs battled the Lions for the entire second half, but were victorious due to tight defense that forced some crucial steals down the stretch. Free throws were also a critical part to the Buffs arsenal.

Milligan shot 28 out of 62 from the field for a percentage of 45, and 5 out of 12 from beyond the arch for a percentage of 42. Bryan shot 30 out of 71 from the field for a percentage of 42, and shot 6 out of 24 for a percentage of 21.

Leading the Buffs offensive attack was sophomore Derrick Nave ( Elizabethton , Tenn. ) with 21 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Junior Jeff Barnes ( Franklin , Tenn. ) followed up his career high 36 points, with a respectable 20 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore Danny McKeehan (Morrow, Ohio ) rounded out the Buffs double-digit scorers with 11 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Junior Tyler Estepp (Limestone, Tenn.) led the Buffs at the point guard position with eight points, four rebounds, three assists, and recorded four steals.

“Tonight was a hard fought conference road game,” said Milligan College Head Coach Tony Wallingford . “We made gutsy plays when we had to down the stretch. I hope this lifts our spirits and gets us more focused and we continue to improve.”

The Buffs continue their three game road stretch Wednesday, Feb. 13, as they travel to Lookout Mountain , Ga. to take on the Scots of Covenant College. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.