(Peru, Neb.) – On Friday, Dec. 17, Peru State would avenge an early season loss to Morningside College with an 83-63 win on the first day of the Florida Cruzin' Classic in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Peru State improved to 8-7 on the year. The Mustangs are currently receiving votes in the latest NAIA Men's Basketball Top 25.
 
The Mustangs fell to 7-4 on the season.
 
1^st half
 
Within the first two minutes of the game the Bobcats would have the early lead in the game as they led 6-0. At the 13:22 mark Peru State would have their first double-digit lead at 13 points after Skyler Wilson (Omaha) made a three off the pass from Man Man Baker (Aurora, Colo.).
 
With 6:58 remaining, Morningside was able to get the game within single digits at 29-21. But that didn't last long as the next possession Donzell Johnson (Bloomington, Ill.) made a three off the assist from Isaac Simpson (Papillion) as Peru State led 32-21 with 6:42 on the clock.
 
The 'Cats didn't trail the entire first half. After the first 20 minutes of basketball as been played they led by 13 points at 45-32.
 
2^nd Half
 
Peru State would make a three coming out of the halftime break by Jibril Harris (Chicago, Ill.) off the assist from Baker. With one minute and a half gone in the second half the Bobcats led by 15 points at 50-35. The lead would grow for once again to 17 points as Harris made another three off the pass this time from Wilson.
 
At the 13:25 mark, the 'Cats led by 21 points after Troy Houghton (Omaha) made a layup. With just under ten minutes to go as Peru State led 69-42 after a Baker layup.
 
The Bobcats used the big first half to take control of the game early as they would go on to win their eighth game of the year and seven of their last nine 83-63.
 
Stats
 
Peru State shot 51.6% from the field which included 11-31 from three for 35.5%. At the free throw line, Peru State shot 8-17 for 47.1%.
 
Harris led Peru State in scoring with 18 points while Wilson added 16 and Houghton had 15. Baker was the last Bobcat in double figures as he went for 14 points on a perfect 6-6 shooting from the field.
 
Harris added ten rebounds which led the team and would give him a double-double in the game. Houghton added nine rebounds and Baker added seven.
 
Baker led the 'Cats with six assists while Simpson had three.
 
Wilson and Johnson each had one steal.
 
Baker added two blocks while Harris would have one block in the contest.
 
Upcoming Game
 
Peru State will not play on day two of the classic due to the Dakota Wesleyan game being canceled. The next game will be on Jan. 5, 2022, against Heart of America Athletic Conference foe Benedictine College Ravens.