Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • Classifieds
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / Sports / Wildcats get back on track with a victory over Champion, 90-58
Junior guard Reggie Miller looks for a Wildcat to pass the ball to. (Photo by Adelin Blackmon)

Wildcats get back on track with a victory over Champion, 90-58

November 23, 2019 by Owen Simpson

ACU grabbed its second win of the season after a three-game losing skid, to improve to 2-3 on the season.

The Wildcats struggled defensively in the first half, as Champion Christian College shot 10-for-20 from the field and drilled seven threes.

Head Coach Joe Golding said the defense did not perform the way he wanted it to in the first half.

“Give them credit, I think they played really well in the first half,” Golding said. “We did not guard the ball in the first half, and when you do not guard the ball, you got to over-rotate and they make the corner threes.”

Champion Christian College was 7-for-9 (77.8%) beyond the perimeter in the first half, keeping them within striking distance.

But after leading just 44-37 at halftime, ACU made adjustments to respond in the second half.

“Second half I thought we did a lot better job at staying in front of the ball,” Golding said. “It all goes back to guarding the ball, and that’s what we did after halftime.”

Junior guard Mahki Morris led the way scoring for ACU with 15 points on 4-for-6 shooting and six rebounds.

“I just felt confident,” Morris said. “Coach and the team believed in me. I had a little tough time the past couple games, but this really lift me up.”

Five Wildcats scored in double-figures on Thursday to help push the Tigers back in the second half.

After the game, Golding said he is happy his guys were able to get another win in the books for the season.

“I wanted to win,” Golding said. “These guys deserve a win, and we like winning around here, not losing. We’re playing tough teams and been in every game so far.”

The Wildcats key to success against Champion Christian College was controlling the paint, scoring 46 points inside, compared to the Tigers 14. They also won the rebound battle, 43-27.

Sophomore forward Joe Pleasant was also a big factor in the win for ACU, shooting 7-for-8 with 14 points in just 19 minutes of play.

Up next, the Wildcats begin a two-game road stretch with Texas State in San Marcos at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Champion Christian College heads to Arkansas with an exhibition against Arkansas at Pine Bluff Monday.

Filed Under: Sports

Other Sports:

  • Gallery: Baseball defeats Utah Tech for a tied series

  • Alignment of new conference to highlight upcoming football season

  • Wildcat baseball takes first series since March beating Trailblazers

About Owen Simpson

- Editor-in-Chief and Sports Director
- ESPN Analyst for ESPN football and basketball

I'm a senior journalism major from Georgetown, Texas. I serve in several roles for the ACU JMC department. For years, I've had a passion in sports and news, and I'm pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, along with any opportunity that presents itself in the media department.

You are here: Home / Sports / Wildcats get back on track with a victory over Champion, 90-58

Other Sports:

  • Gallery: Baseball defeats Utah Tech for a tied series

  • Alignment of new conference to highlight upcoming football season

  • Wildcat baseball takes first series since March beating Trailblazers

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
16 Feb

Black Student Union, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion have joined together to plan events that educate others and provide celebrations during Black History Month. Read more:
https://acuoptimist.com/2023/02/black-history-month-events-educate-celebrate-acu-community/

Reply on Twitter 1626340622872285184 Retweet on Twitter 1626340622872285184 Like on Twitter 1626340622872285184 2 Twitter 1626340622872285184
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
11 Feb

BREAKING: Robert D. “Bob” Hunter, vice president emeritus, passed away Saturday. Hunter served as a representative of the 71st district of Texas and worked part time with ACU until 2013.

Reply on Twitter 1624540404690436097 Retweet on Twitter 1624540404690436097 4 Like on Twitter 1624540404690436097 23 Twitter 1624540404690436097

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

1 week ago

The Optimist
Meet our News Writer Matthew!He is a sophomore journalism major from Cedar Park, Tx. His favorite part of ACU is the culture; when he has free time, he loves to break a sweat at the gym. -----------------------------#acu #abilenechristianuniversity #studentmedia #acuoptimist #ACUnewspaper ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

2 weeks ago

The Optimist
Next for Optimist staff introductions is our photographer Sarah. "Hello! My name is Sarah Eunyoung Thompson and I’m originally from Ewa Beach, Hawaii. I am here as a sophomore majoring in graphic design. Some of my favorite hobbies include: art, ping pong, photography, singing, and thrifting." ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Optimist Newscast Feb. 22, 2023

Our top stories this week include the passing of Dr. Bob Hunter, a new endowment ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 8, 2023
  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 1, 2023
  • Optimist Newscast Jan. 25, 2023

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Podcasts

© 2023 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved