The Tri-Valley Mustang boys basketball team fell a little short on the road against the Dakota Valley Panthers on Friday, January 22nd. The Panthers got the 76-68 victory.
Tri-Valley dictated the pace of the game through much of the first quarter. They had a 15-10 lead, but the Panthers started to heat up from the outside and went on a 9-0 run to end the quarter. Dakota Valley led 19-15 after the first quarter. The Panthers slowly built their lead to double digits by halftime and led 44-34.
The Mustangs kept themselves in the games in the second half. Every time the Panthers tried to make an extended run, Tri-Valley got a much needed basket. Dakota Valley, however, was able to push the lead to 16 points at 62-46 heading into the final quarter. The lead would stay about that spot until the final couple minutes of the game. Tri-Valley made a late run, but ran out of time.
The Mustangs finished the game shooting 38% (20-52) from the field, 36% (8-22) from three-point area, and 78% (18-23) from the free-throw line.
Three players finished in double figures. Nick Haas had 22 points and three rebounds. Riley Haynes finished with 18 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Tyler Johnson added 16 points and five rebounds.
Tri-Valley (3-6) will host Canton on Tuesday, January 26th.