The Tri-Valley Mustangs were able to cut a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit down to six against the McCook Central/Montrose Fighting Cougars, but the rally fell short as the Cougars won 64-56 on Monday, February 15th.
The first quarter action was back-and-forth as the two teams traded made baskets all quarter long. The game was tied 18-18 at the end of the first quarter. The Cougars got on a hot streak in the second quarter, making half of their total three-pointers for the game in the quarter. McCook Central/Montrose was able to build a 41-34 halftime lead.
The Cougars continued to extend the lead in the third quarter making three more three-pointers and led 56-44 heading into the final quarter. Tri-Valley rallied in the fourth quarter and cut the lead down to six points with minutes remaining. The Mustangs had some good looks offensively to try to tie the game, but the shots just didn’t fall as the Cougars hung on for the win.
Three players finished in double figures for the Mustangs. Paige Jewett had 19 points, three rebounds, and three steals. Tabor Teel had 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Blayne Gacke added 10 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Steph Buchmann had eight points, three steals, and two assists.
Tri-Valley (9-9) will host Lennox on Thursday, February 18th.