Trailing by one in the closing seconds, a last-second shot fell off the back of the rim, and the De Smet Bulldogs fell to the Hills-Beaver Creek Patriots at the Dakota Valley Conference Clash on Saturday, January 21st.
The Bulldogs got on a roll in the first half. They led 14-9 at the end of the first quarter. De Smet extended the lead to 28-20 with 1:25 to play in the first half. The Patriots cut the lead to 28-23 by halftime.
De Smet continued to lead by about five points through the first half of the third quarter. The Bulldogs led 35-29 with 4:00 to go in the quarters, but the Patriots when a run. They ended the third quarter on an 11-0 run for a 40-35 lead at the quarter break. De Smet started the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run to take the lead back 42-40 with 6:50 to play. Hills-Beaver Creek hit a three-point shot with 4:00 to go for a 47-44 lead, and they never trailed the rest of the game.
De Smet shot 33% (18-54) from the field, 30% (8-27) on three-point shots, and 5-6 from the free-throw line. The Patriots shot 38% (18-47) overall, 25% (4-16) on three-point shots, and 45% (10-22) from the free-throw line.
Hazel Luethmers had four 14 points, five rebounds, and four steals. Emma Albrecht added 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Jada Burke finished with 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Alyssa Asleson ended with nine points, three rebounds, and three assists.
