Johnson’s 18 Not Enough to Overcome Spartans

N. MANCHESTER, Ind --The Defiance College Yellow Jackets (7-7) fell at Manchester College (8-6, 1-1 HCAC) by a score of 63-75 Wednesday night.

C.J. Johnson was the top scorer with 18 as the Jackets are still searching for their first HCAC conference win (0-3). Brett Hammons and Curt Croy chipped in 14 and 11 points, respectively. Manchester’s Jon Cain was the game high scorer with 25 points on the night.

After jumping out to a 4-0 lead, the Jackets tied the game at 11 on a jumper by Matt Voland to complete their eight point run at the 12:36 mark. Manchester took the lead back for good after a free throw by Julian Guess and was up by a score of 27-37 at the half.

DC capitalized on an Eric Berger foul as Matt Muratori’s basket and free throw were counted and built a six point run on the Spartans. Manchester took back control of the game 20 seconds later when Cain hit a triple.

Manchester shut the door on the Jackets by converting nine of 10 free throws in the last two minutes of play.

Manchester out rebounded DC 36-28.

The Jackets will look for their first conference win when they host Mount St. Joseph on Saturday. Tip-off will be at 3:00 p.m.