Haskell takes a hike

By STEVE SELL, Sentinel Sports Editor

When Haskell Indian Nations basketball coach Melvin Imotichey was hit with two technical fouls with 9:44 left to play Saturday, earning himself an ejection, he decided he wasn't going to leave the court alone.

Imotichey decided he'd seen enough and took his team with him, forfeiting the game.

The refereeing, however, wasn't the difference in the way the game was going, as McPherson College was leading 82-44 when Imotichey stunned observers by pulling his team.

"It was unfortunate," McPherson coach Roger Trimmell said. "I know he was frustrated. But I don't want it to detract from the way we played. I thought we played much better tonight than we did last night. We were much more into it."

The Bulldogs are now 2-2 heading into Tuesday's intra-city showdown at Central Christian College.

Mac did whatever it wanted throughout the game, leading 51-31 at halftime, and even with Trimmell substituting liberally in the second half, the lead continue to mount as the Bulldogs were shooting holes in the Indians' 1-3-1 zone.

At the time the game was stopped, the fouls were even in the second half. And it wasn't a foul call that set Imotichey off, it instead was an out-of-bounds call.

McPherson College Athletic Director Dan Hoffman had no comment on the situation, and the tape of the game figures to be sent to the NAIA national office. Imotichey and his team left the Sport Center without making a comment to either Trimmell or Hoffman.

Jose Morales scored 18 points to lead Mac, while Brian Hooks added 16. Jamaal Norris and Jamar Turner were in double figures as well with 13 and 10 respectively.

Mac played all but a minute without point guard Roy McDonald, who suffered a strained back. Michael Perez stepped up to deal out 8 assists in his absence.

Oklahoma Wesleyan 71, Bethel 69 -- In the preceding game, Oklahoma Wesleyan earned its second victory in as many nights over a KCAC school.

It was tight throughout, as the Eagles led only 37-34 at the half. Kenroy Smith had 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead the winners, while Frank Flores had 28 points to lead the Threshers, who were 1-1 on the weekend.

Mac (82) -- Morales 6 2-2 18; Bradford 1 0-0 2; Perez 2 0-0 4; Soto 2 1-1 7; Turner 3 2-2 10; Norris 4 3-5 13; Hooks 5 6-7 16; Cox 2 0-0 6; Romero 1 0-0 2; Gustafson 2 0-0 4. Totals -- 28 14-17 82. 3-pointers -- Morales 4, Soto 2, Turner 2, Norris 2, Cox 2.

Haskell (44) -- RomanNose 1 0-0 2; Falleaf 1 0-0 3; Polk 2 3-4 7; King 0 4-6 4; Oliveria 1 1-1 3; King 0 4-5 4; Deal 8 0-0 21. Totals -- 15 8-11 44. 3-pointers -- Deal 5, Falleaf 1.