Kennedy drops 24 as JBU dominates Ozark Christian

JBU Athletics
Nicholas Robinson, Director of Sports Information 

SILOAM SPRINGS – Freshman Desmond Kennedy made a splash in his second collegiate outing by hitting four triples, scoring 24 points, and the John Brown University men’s basketball team cruised to a second win in three days with a 110-51 win over Ozark Christian (Mo.) on Monday (Nov. 5) night inside Bill George Arena.

For the second time in as many games, the Golden Eagles (2-0) shot over 50 percent (37-of-71) and received over 40 points from the bench.

The visiting Ambassadors (0-3) moved to 0-8 all-time inside Bill George Arena, hampered by 31 turnovers, 15 unforced, and a 22 percent (7-of-32) shooting effort in the second half. JBU ballooned an already lopsided affair, 51-27 at the break, into a 59-point victory.

Off the bench, Kennedy poured in a game-best 24 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the floor, while senior Jake Caudle turned in yet another workmanlike performance with 18 points and three assists.

Before wandering into foul trouble, sophomore Rokas Grabliauskas contributed 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting and seniors Josh Bowling and Dwayne Hart each posted 10 points.

Freshman Luke Harper dished out a game-best six assists to accompany an 8-point performance.

Hitting nine triples in each half, and finishing the game nearly 50 percent from behind the arc (18-of-39), the game was never in doubt after Caudle, twice, and Kennedy hit triples that expanded a 10-2 lead into a 23-7 advantage quickly midway through the first half.

Freshman Ira Perrier came off the bench to grab seven boards, leading an effort that saw the hosts out-rebound the Ambassadors 44-32. JBU converted 18 offensive caroms into 20 second-chance points as the hosts dominated the paint, 50-18.

The Golden Eagles will face their first test of the young season on Friday (Nov. 9) with a trip up to Olathe, Kan. to take on MidAmerica Nazarene at 7:30 p.m. before kick-starting a three-game homestand the following day.