YORK, Neb. – The York University men's basketball team lost an 81-70 contest to McPherson College Wednesday evening.

The Panthers are now 4-10 on the season, including 1-8 in KCAC action.

Head coach Tree Burks' team was paced by Carl Thorpe Jr.'s 21-point effort. He also added seven rebounds and five assists. DJ Leaks totaled 15 points while Andrew Bennett accounted for 14 points, eight boards and an assist. Rhino Hernandez chipped in eight points while Chris Dixon had seven points. Devin Carroll notched five points and two assists.

Leading 10-7, Thorpe Jr. buried a three-ball. Dixon hit a free throw, and Bennett drained a jumper for a 16-7 margin. Up 24-20, Leaks converted a lay-up and Hernandez canned a jumper. The Panthers maintained a 37-34 advantage before Dixon hit a lay-up and Leaks made a charity shot for a 40-34 margin at the break.

Trailing 42-40, Carroll nailed an inside shot. Bennett hit a jumper, and Hernandez drilled a three-point shot for a five-point advantage. Tied at 51-51, the visitors netted the next six points. The Bulldogs stretched their lead to 14, 67-53, with 6:29 to play. However, York was unable to trim the deficit over the waning moments.

For the game, York hit 25-of-52 shots from the floor, including eight-of-19 from downtown. The team was nearly automatic from the charity stripe, hitting 12-of-14. The Panthers snagged 31 rebounds and led for 26:19. The Panthers dished out 14 assists and scored 30 points on the break.  

The Panthers return to action Saturday, Jan. 11, when they play at Sterling College at 3 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at Yorkpanthers.com.