Central Baptist surges past Crowley’s Ridge

PARAGOULD — The Central Baptist College Mustangs (4-0) defeated Crowley’s Ridge College 96-74 Thursday night. 

The Mustangs started the game with a 20-4 run. CBC forced 22 turnovers behind senior Rodderick Briggs’ six steals. CBC hit 23 of 27 free throws was 32-for-62 from the field. The Mustangs had a 45-21 rebound advantage, led by senior Ryan Barnes’ 13.

“It was a good first road game test for us,” CBC coach Josh Austin said. “Crowley’s beat Williams Baptist in Walnut Ridge last week, so it was good to travel and see how we handle a different environment. We are improving. We are not where we want to be, but we are going in the right direction.

The Mustangs had 23 assists for the night and had four players in double figures. Barnes led the way for the Mustangs with 44 points, three shy of his career high, 13 rebounds, four steals, and six assists. Will Johnson finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. CJ McCoy and Zach O’Riley ended with 12 each.

CBC returns to action Tuesday when it travels to Haviland, Kansas to take on Barclay College.