(Peru, Neb.) – In its opener for the 2015-16 season, the Peru State men's basketball team fell on the road to Briar Cliff (BC) 93-87 in overtime in Sioux City, Iowa, Wednesday night.
 
With the win, the Chargers improved to 2-1 while Peru State fell to 0-1.
 
First Half Action
 
The 'Cats took the early lead when Corday Sims (Chicago) hit a trey to start the contest. Briar Cliff came right back and scored the next three buckets – all two pointers to take the lead for what would be for the rest of the first half.

 
The Chargers led by 11 at 20-9 before Darin Minniefield (Houston, Texas) made a bucket with Sims following with another three-pointer to make it 20-14.
 
Briar Cliff would maintain its lead with the Bobcats getting as close as four at 28-24 after Karim Diop (Dakar, Senegal) hit a bucket in the paint. The Chargers would score the next six points to go back up by double-digits and eventually led by nine at halftime at 40-31.
 
Second Half Action
 
BC would extend its lead to 12 at 49-37 before Peru State would slowly cut into the lead and trail by three at 59-56 after Darwin Ellis (Brooklyn, N.Y.) connected on an old-fashioned three-point play.
 
The Chargers were relentless, though, and outscored the 'Cats 10-3 to go back up by ten at 69-59 with approximately five minutes left in the game.
 
Once again, Peru State fought back and was within one at 74-73 after Kris Frazier (Cleveland, Ohio) connected with a buck in the paint after an offensive rebound. But Briar Cliff would have a spurt and moved out to an 83-74 advantage.

 
It was at that point that the Bobcats caught fire and scored the next nine points to tie it forcing overtime. Quantice Hunter (Chicago) hit a three-pointer which he followed with a bucket to make it 83-79. Then buckets by Frazier and Sims knotted it up.
 
Overtime
 
Briar Cliff would score the first seven points of overtime forcing the 'Cats to play from behind. Hunter was the first to score in OT for the Bobcats to make it 90-85, but it proved to not be enough as the Chargers went on for the 93-87 win.
 
Team Statistics
 
The teams shot the ball at a similar level with Peru State actually having a better field goal percentage than the Chargers. The Bobcats made 36 of 77 shots for 46.8% while BC was 31 of 71 for 43.7%. The 'Cats made 6 of 20 three-point tries for 30% while BC was 8 of 31 for 25.8%. The scoring difference came at the free throw line as the Chargers were 23 of 35 for 65.7% while Peru State made 9 of 16 for 56.3%.
 
The rebounding was nearly even with Peru State holding a one rebound edge at 47-46. The Bobcats did commit 22 turnovers while Briar Cliff had 18 miscues.
 

BRIAR CLIFF BOX SCORE
 
Individual Statistics
 
Sims and Ellis both scored 21 points for Peru State. Hunter and Frazier were also in double figures with 13 and 11 respectively.
 
Frazier nearly finished with a double-double as he grabbed nine rebounds as did Jeff Neverson (Brooklyn, N.Y.). Sims added eight while Diop grabbed seven.
 
Ellis and Hunter each dished out four assists with Sims contributing two. Hunter had four steals with Minniefield nabbing three.
 
Upcoming Games
 
Peru State will participate in the St. Gregory's Classic in Shawnee, Okla., this Friday and Saturday. On Friday, the Bobcats will take on Bacone (Okla.). Presently, Bacone is 0-3 on the season. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.
 
On Saturday, the 'Cats will face the hosts at 4 p.m. St. Gregory's are 1-0 on the season and will play Friday night before taking on Peru State.