Memphis TN – November 1, 2006 - Crichton College lost their first game of the season Wednesday in a heartbreaking loss to the visitors from McKendree College. Crichton jumped out to an early lead scoring the first four points of the game. McKendree would not go away early and by the 16:37 mark the Bearcats took a first half lead that they would not give up.  Mark Stovall led McKendree with 13 first half points and paved the way for a 39-37 first half lead.

In the second half Crichton came out and tied the game on a Sylvania Watkins basket on the first possession. From that point on the two teams traded baskets and changed leads 10 times. Crichton took the lead on the next possession and would not give it up until the 13:28 mark and a T.J. Stone three pointer. Crichton seemed to finally have the game under control with just under a minute to play. The Comets were clinging onto a 3 point lead with 39 seconds remaining but could not seal the deal. Eric Palm tied the game with at three pointer and Crichton had possession of the ball with the shot clock turned off. A foul put Crichton on the line but the Comets managed only one out of two. With a one point lead Crichton needed one stop to secure the victory but a foul call gave the Bearcats a one and one opportunity. Eric Palm made both free throws and gave McKendree a one point lead with eight seconds remaining. Crichton had one last possession but as Derek Boykin fell to the ground, a questionable no call ended the game and Crichton's chances at a opening night win.

Five players scored in double figures for the Comets with Sylvania Watkins leading the way scoring 17 points and 7 rebounds in 18 minutes. Jonathan Bohana was strong off the bench with 14 points and six rebounds. Michael Sapp (16) Derek Boykin (13) and Stanlee Brownlee (11) rounded out the Comets double figure scoring. Eric Palm led the way for McKendree with 19 including 17 in the second half and the game winning free throws in the final seconds. Mark Stovall and Nick Livas also scored double figures for the Bearcats. Crichton falls to 0-1 on the season while McKendree improves to 1-0.

Final Score: Crichton 80 - McKendree College 81

Player of the Game: Sylvania Watkins

Next up the Comets travel to Cookeville, TN for an exhibition game against Tennessee Tech University. The game is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Sunday November 5

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