By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The final score was deceiving. The NRHEG boys’ basketball team played arch rival WEM much closer than a 71-59 score would indicate.
The visiting Bucs overcame a halftime deficit and broke the game open with about seven minutes remaining while handing the Panthers a Gopher Conference loss at New Richland Thursday, Feb. 4.
“I told our boys I was proud of the effort,” said NRHEG coach Pat Churchill. “We just can't figure out how to win a game down the stretch against a really good team.”
The loss dropped the Panthers to 15-8 overall and 7-4 in the Gopher Conference while WEM improved to 18-3 and 9-1.
It was tight throughout the first half, with NRHEG up 30-26 at the intermission. Chad Agrimson gave the Panthers a big lift in the first half with three three-pointers while John Cole scored six and established a low post presence early.It was 51-50 with seven minutes left and Churchill liked the Panthers’ chances, but WEM hit two straight threes and took control down the stretch.
Cole finished with 15 points and seven rebounds. Agrimson also totaled 15. Others: Oakley Baker 13 points, seven rebounds; Tyler Raimann eight points; Sam Prigge five points.
Zac Olson paced WEM with 20 points.