The #4 ranked De Smet Bulldogs hosted the #3 ranked Castlewood Warriors in a battle of top five teams on Monday, January 22nd. An early third quarter run helped the Warriors to a 48-40 victory.
The Bulldogs grabbed the lead early in the game and had a 12-7 advantage at the end of the first quarter. They maintained their lead throughout the second quarter, but Castlewood had cut the deficit to 19-17 by halftime. The Warriors then started third quarter on a 9-0 run to give them a 26-19 lead. That run proved to be the difference in the game.
De Smet trimmed the seven-point deficit to four points, 31-27, going into the fourth quarter. Casltewood pushed the lead back to seven, 42-35, with 3:25 to play. The Bulldogs rallied to pull within two points, 42-40, with 1:15 remaining in the game. Castelwood, however, would make a two-point shot on their next possession and then added four free throws in the closing seconds to secure the win.
Tom Aughenbaugh had 16 points and two rebounds. George Jensen added eight points, eight rebounds, and three blocked shots. Britt Carlson finished with five points, five rebounds, and two assists. Kadyn Fast also had five points with two rebounds and two assists.
