The Barclay Bears men’s basketball team opened up their season by traveling to York, Neb. to take on NAIA Division II York College last Saturday night.

The Bears got off to a good start to keep the game close, but as the first half progressed the Bears found themselves in a hole. The Panther defensive pressure forced the Bears into an excessive amount of turnovers to head into the locker room leading 69-48. The Panthers shot 65% from the floor in the first half primarily converting on forced turnovers. The Bears on the other hand, shot an impressive 53% from the field.

The Bears returned from halftime determined to play a more sound game on both ends of the court. The Panthers extended their lead to 34 points with more than ten minutes to play in the half, but the Bears would not let that lead grow any further. The Bears lost the battle of the second half by just three points. The final score was 91-115.

The Bears were led by senior Tanner Huck’s (Coldwater, Kans.) 15 points, while junior Jay Milton (Paris, Texas), sophomore Quinton Walker (Paris, Texas), and senior Jay Bradley (Wichita, Kans.), added 14 points apiece. The Bears finished 29-59 from the field for a 49% shooting percentage.

Head coach Royce Bryan said after the game, “We are always disappointed to lose, but against a quality opponent, we did a lot of positive things and I am anxious to see how we respond Friday.” The Bears are in action Friday, October 28, 2016, against Bethany College (Lindsborg, Kans.) in Great Bend, Kans. Tip-off is at 7:30 pm.