York, NE – The Peru State Men’s Basketball team stumbled at the end of the second half as the Coyotes of Kansas Wesleyan held on to a 76-71 victory at the York College Classic.

The Cats jumped out to an early lead but allowed the Coyotes to creep back in after some costly turnovers. Peru regained the lead just before the end of the first half when KWU grabbed two offensive rebounds and a put back to get up 31-30 at the break. In the second period, the Coyotes extended their lead to eight which made the Cats play catch up the rest of the game. The teams battled back in forth the second 20 minutes with Peru being just four points down under three minutes. Again, the turnover bug bit the Bobcats and allowed KWU to secure the 76-71 victory.

Peru was led by Steven Burks (pictured left) with 24 points and five rebounds as Jovan Hitch came off the bench to pour in 22 points, four rebounds and two steals. Adam Blaylock added nine points, four assists and four steals. The Bobcats shot 46% from the floor on 26 of 56 shooting, 21% from the three point line on four of 19, and 71% from the line on 15 of 21. Peru forced 30 KWU turnovers but allowed the Coyotes to win the rebounding margin 28-22.
Peru State returns to action at 1pm on Saturday as they take on Concordia University in the second day of the York College Classic.