Cougars lose heartbreaker to Roughriders

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

The Van Wert Cougars had plenty of offense, but needed a bit more defense as the St. Marys Roughriders edged them by a basket, 83-81, in a Western Buckeye League match-up Friday in the Cougars’ Den.

Both teams had three players in double figures, with Colin Smith leading Van Wert with 24 points, while Josh Braun added 20 points and Jacoby Kelly had 12 points. Nick Gutierrez had 9 points for the Cougars.

Roughrider Derek Jay led all scorers with 26 points, while Jacob Grannan had 18 points and Josh Wingett added 14 points for St. Marys. Chase Roop scored 9 points for the ‘Riders.

The first half went to the Cougars, who were up by four points, 25-21, in the first quarter and outscored St. Marys 19-17 in the second quarter to lead by six, 44-38, at the half. Both teams scored 17 points in the third quarter, but the Roughriders rallied in the final stanza, outscoring Van Wert 28-20 to earn the win.

Both teams shot well from the field, with the Cougars making 31 of 55 (56.4 percent), including 7 of 18 from three-point range (38.9 percent). St. Marys was also 31 of 55 (56.4 percent), but made 7 of 16 from three-point range (43.8 percent).

Free-throw shooting was the difference in the game, with Van Wert making 12 of 17 free throws (70.6 percent), while the Roughriders were 14 of 16 (87.5 percent) at the line.

The Cougars had the edge in rebounding, 23-21, but had five more turnovers than St. Marys (13-8).

Van Wert will next play WBL foe Ottawa-Glandorf this coming Friday.

The Cougar junior varsity squad won its game, 60-35, with Brant Henry scoring 12 points and Dylan Lautzenheiser adding 11 points for Van Wert. Ethan Mielke led St. Marys with 10 points.