Narrow Victory Sends Blue Jays To Championship, Defeated By Mount Mercy

The Westminster men’s basketball team defeated Coe College Saturday, 82-80, to send them to the championship game at the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic hosted by Mount Mercy. The Blue Jays faced host Mount Mercy on Sunday and fell 53-73, snapping their five game win streak.

Saturday’s 82-80 win over Coe College was led by senior Joe James. He was highlighted by a career high 32 points after going 10-of-17 from the field and 11-of-12 from the free-throw line. He added 10 rebounds to finish with a double-double. He also dished in three assists and three steals in the contest.

The Blue Jays shot 50.9 percent from the field and 40 percent from the arc.

The win sent the Blue Jays to the championship game, but the Blue Jays were unable to keep pace with Mount Mercy and fell 53-73.

The Blue Jays were led by junior Verdis Lee Jr. as he put up 14 points in the loss. James added in 11 points after going 5-for-6 from the foul line. Sophomore Kellen Brondel, junior Brandon Moore and Lee Jr. each grabbed six rebounds.

The Blue Jays will head home to host MacMurray College in a St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) match-up on January 7, 2014 at 8:00 p.m.