FULTON, Mo. – The William Woods University men's basketball team suffered a 78-73 loss to Park University in the team's conference-opener.

The Owls opened the 2018-19 season with two wins but have since lost four.

The Owls had three players in double-digits with Austin Curry leading the way with 12. David Johnson Jr. and Codi Whitlock added 11 apiece.

WWU will travel to Springfield, Missouri on Saturday, November 17, for an exhibition game versus Drury University. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.
 
Game Flow
Treshawn Guase began the scoring for the game with a quick two-pointer off tip-off. The lead bounced back-and-fourth, but with just under five minutes off the clock, Park pushed a six-point lead, 15-9.
After two minutes of scoreless play, David Johnson Jr. sunk a three to bring the game back within three. Jason Walker tied the game with two free throws after being fouled on a fast break layup following his steal, 15-15.

A three from Brian Enriquez gave the Owls a one-point advantage, 18-17, but Park quickly took the lead back just 30 seconds later.

The Owls knotted up the game twice more before Austin Curry began a 10-0 run. Curry scored five in the run with Shad Kimble and Johnson Jr. scoring the other five, bringing the score to 34-26 with 4:00 remaining in the half.

Park picked their momentum back up as they forced an 8-0 run over the next two minutes to tie the game, 34-34.

Aaron Brookins grabbed a steal and finished the fast break play with a dunk to take a two-point lead with 49 seconds on the clock, but Park went 2-for-2 from the foul line to close out the scoring for the half. 

With a technical called just after halftime began, Park was able to score two before the second half officially began. Park continued their advantage as they put up four more just one minute into the half.

The Owls cut the lead down to one basket multiple times but Park brought their lead up to eight twice.

With 11:35 on the clock, Jason Walker grabbed another steal and followed it up with a fast break layup to bring the Owls within one, 55-54.

Park once again pushed their lead to eight, and with just 26 seconds left in the game, Park held a seven-point advantage.

In a do-or-die situation, Austin Curry hit back-to-back three-pointers from the top of the key to bring the Owls within two with 12 seconds on the clock, 75-73.

Forced to foul and already over the foul limit, Park took advantage at the foul line. Park went 3-for-4 on their two appearances to put them up 78-73.

The Owls were unable to score again, ending the game with a 78-73 conference loss.
 
By The Numbers
.483 – The Owls shot .483 from the field (29-for-60).
12 – Austin Curry scored 12 points with nine coming from the three point line (3-6 3FG).
11 – David Johnson Jr. and Codi Whitlock recorded 11 points each. Whitlock went 5-for-7 from the field.
6 – Austin Curry led the Owls with six boards.
4 – Treshawn Gause and Shad Kimble dished four assists each.