Carolina Christian 47 – Arborbrook 40
The Falcons dropped their second game of the year to Carolina Christian and unfortunately, it was an exact replay of the first game. In both games, the Falcons held the lead throughout most of the game before falling behind late in the fourth quarter. We had not played since last Tuesday and held only a light practice when we took the floor last night. We came out slow with no energy and little enthusiasm in the first half, picked up the pace in the third quarter and then went completely to sleep in the fourth quarter. Even with all that, we should have won the game. Carolina Christian played a much more aggressive offense, driving to the basket and crashing the boards. Carolina made 12 free throws, we shot only 3. Carolina Christian outhustled us at both ends of the floor, picking up every loose ball and were constantly a step ahead of us on every breakaway. And we still should have won because we are a better team that played poorly and did not lose control until the last 2 minutes of the game.
The Falcons held an 11-7 first quarter lead behind baskets from Josh Black, Nathan Spitler, and Trey Barnes. Nathan took control of the boards early with 5 first quarter rebounds before getting into early foul trouble. Josh would score 4 more points in the second quarter and Mitch Moore would add a basket as the Falcons took a 17-16 lead into the locker room. We had not played well but somehow, we were still in the lead. I though we were fired up and ready to go but we came out just as slow with two left feet to start the third quarter. Coach inserted Kyle Boutross in the game to try and get some energy flowing. Kyle seemed to spark the team and suddenly we were moving up and down the floor. Five different players scored in the quarter and we held a 30-26 lead going into the final period. Josh Black scored 2 quick baskets and we increased our lead to 34-26 just before the roof came down. Carolina Christian went on a 15-2 run as our defense disappeared and our offense could not hang onto the ball. We were only down by four with 30 seconds left in the game and we had possession. It looked like we would cut the lead to two as Josh drove to the basket but the ball just slipped off his finger tips and skipped out of bounds. It was a good play with a little bad luck. Carolina Christian had no answer for Josh as his speed and athletic ability constantly enabled him to slide between defenders for some awesome layups. Carolina would close us out with 3 late free throws and win the game. At least part one. Sometime in sports, you get a Mulligan. We get to play them again tonight in the opening game of the tournament. The winner moves on while the loser will be finished for the season.
For the Record: Josh Black scored 20 points with 10 rebounds and 3 steals. Trey Barnes netted 2 three pointers and scored 8 points with 1 steal. Nathan Spitler scored 4 points on a rebound he put back in and 2 free throws. Nathan also pulled down 9 rebounds with 1 assist. Mitch Moore scored 4 points coming off a sprained ankle, grabbed 2 rebounds with 2 steals and 2 assists. Forest Landa scored 2 points with 2 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 assist. Forest was the most effective defensive player on the floor for both teams. Kyle Boutross came off the bench and gave the team a lift while scoring 2 points with 3 rebounds and 1 assist. Caleb Farmer did not score but had several shots rim in and out. Caleb had 1 rebound, 1 steal, and 1 assist. Caleb Robinson stepped in for 3 rebounds.
