The Park University Gilbert men's basketball team played one of the best teams in the Cal Pac Conference tough for a half, but ultimately fell 61-34 at the Gallo Coliseum in Merced, Calif.

The first half was a back and forth affair with both teams holding the lead, although neither team was shooting all that well from the floor. Park shot 28 percent and Merced 30 percent which led to a low scoring 23-20 halftime lead for the Bobcats.

Unfortunately for the Bucs, their shooting waned even more in the second half as they dropped to meager15 percent and Merced's percentage skyrocketed to 45 percent which led to the 27-point victory for Merced.

The Bucs finished shooting 22 percent for the game and 17 from three-point range. Neither team made many trips to the free throw line. UCM, however, knocked down 10 three-point baskets compared to four for Park.

Individually, Caleb Ivy led the team in scoring with 12 points. LC Ballard had 10 points and 3 assists. Evan Hoosier led the team with eight rebounds.

Park Gilbert now travels to Redding, Calif., to take on a Simpson team this Saturday. They beat the Redhawks earlier in the season, but they have been playing much better of late.