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.
