BATTLE CREEK – Against the first-place team in the SMAC East, Sturgis had a superb defensive effort, holding the Bearcats to just 43 points.
It was the offensive end which gave the Trojans fits.
Sturgis managed just four points in the second quarter and scrambled to keep the game close, but the Trojans lost, 43-38.
It was a two-man offensive show for Sturgis (9-6 overall, 4-6 SMAC East) with Chance Stewart scoring 19 points and Jack Scheske adding 15 points. Stewart also had 15 rebounds and three assists. Scheske had three assists.
Sturgis’ defense didn’t allow a Central player to reach double figures scoring. David Templeton led the winners with eight points.
The Trojans were ahead, 11-9, after the first quarter, but trailed 16-15 at halftime. The Bearcats (14-2 overall, 11-0 SMAC East) pushed the advantage to three points, 28-25, after three quarters.