Bulldogs Tangle with the Tigers

The Milbank Area Bulldogs battled back from a big deficit but ultimately were defeated by the Groton Area Tigers in Northeast Conference action February 17, on the road. The final score was 53-48.

Milbank Area trailed 16-7 at the end of the opening quarter and remained behind 34-22 at the midway mark. In the third quarter, the Dawgs outscored the Tigers 15-9 to trim Groton’s lead to 43-37. In the final quarter, Milbank Area continued to apply pressure, but the clock ran out. The Dawgs fell 53-48.

“I really was proud of how we battled,” said Bulldog Head Coach Matt Bastian. “We had a poor start and trailed by 19 in the first half. The guys played extremely hard to get it back to a one possession game late in the fourth. Unfortunately, we just ran out of time to complete the comeback.”

Three players scored in double figures for the Bulldogs. Jonny Ash fired in 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal to set the pace for the Bulldogs. Mitch Quade and James Weber followed with 11 points each. Quade grabbed 4 rebounds and had 1 assist. Weber had 1 rebound, and 1 steal. Nate Bien contributed 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 steal.

Also adding to the team totals were: Cody Dockter, 2 points, 1 assist, and 1 steal; Riley Wollschlager, 2 points, 1 rebound and 2 steals; Preston Morton, 1 point and 1 steal; Derrick Aho, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 assist. Jake Fox grabbed 1 rebound.

Milbank Area went 15-of-50 from the field for 30 percent shooting. The Bulldogs made 31 rebounds, 12 steals, and 3 assists. They committed 14 turnovers.

Groton Area made 40 percent of its shots from the field – 15 of 38 attempts. The Tigers won the game with 33 rebounds, 10 steals, and 1 assist. They committed 15 turnovers.