The Bobcats got off to a slow start offensively, only managing 4 points in the opening quarter, but the defense early on kept them in the game. The Bobcats were very active on the defensive end of the floor all game and that allowed the offense to get going in the second half. 

Fast-forward to about 23 seconds left in the game. Hope was down by 3. KD Gulley grabbed the biggest offensive rebound of the game after a missed free-throw, was fouled going up for a basket and was awarded free-throws. KD would knock down both free throws to bring the Bobcats within one point with 23 seconds remaining. 

Kyle Whiteman would force a Leopard turnover and give the Bobcats a chance. Whiteman would take the ball to the basket and finish a tough lay-up to give Hope the lead with 11 seconds remaining. Hope would force a tough shot by Malvern late and secure the 55-54 win. 

Kyle Whiteman's go-ahead basket gave him a game-high 20 points, Whiteman also had 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Isaac Love made some very big plays late in the game and finished the game with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. KD Gulley would finish with 7 points and 9 rebounds. Jay Monk had 3 points and led the Bobcats with 4 assists. Cornithian Brown had 4 points and Eddrick Lard finished with 2 points and 2 rebounds and played some big minutes for the Bobcats on Friday night. 

It was definitely not the best performance by Hope on Friday night, but when you don't play your best brand of basketball and still walk away with a tough conference win, that's the makings of a good basketball team. Hope answered adversity late and found a way to earn a win on Friday night. 

The Bobcats are back in action Tuesday as they host DeQueen who is 1-1 in conference play.