Chiefs fall despite garnering 27 points in fourth quarter
By Dan Truttschel
Correspondent
The Big Foot boys basketball team nearly gave itself some much-needed momentum heading into the playoffs last week.
But even in defeat, it may have been just what the doctor ordered.
Big Foot put 27 points on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter and almost pulled off a comeback victory against the Rock Valley Conference’s South Division champions before it fell 63-59.
The loss dropped the Chiefs to 3-12 in the RVC and 4-17 overall.
Even in defeat, the near-comeback gave Big Foot coach Mike Dowden plenty of positives to draw from.
“We shared the ball real well and were able to push the tempo,” he said. “I was happy with our energy and our ability to share the ball.”
Big Foot fell behind 31-19 at halftime and trailed 42-32 heading into the last eight minutes.
The Chiefs outscored Turner 27-21 in the fourth quarter to keep the game close right to the very end.
Dowden said there wasn’t any magical words said between the rough start and the solid finish.
It actually came down to simple execution.
“We couldn’t make some shots (early),” he said. “We didn’t do much different in the second half besides hit a few key outside shots.”
The frenetic pace to the fourth quarter gave the crowd its money’s worth, Dowden said.
“We scored a ton in the fourth,” he said. “It was up tempo, and both teams made shots. It was fun to watch, I’m sure, but not as much fun as winning would have been.”
Beau Cary led the way with 23 points, followed by Nico Tovar with 17.
Big Foot closed its regular season Thursday night at Palmyra-Eagle. The Chiefs open WIAA Division 3 regional play Tuesday, March 3 at Clinton.
The Chiefs drew the sixth seed, while Clinton is seeded third. The winner travels to second-seeded Evansville Friday, March 6.
Clinton owns wins of 57-40 and 57-42 over Big Foot during the regular season.
“We need to play together and play well,” Dowden said. “We struggled early against Palmyra-Eagle last time and need to come out ready to play because they will be ready to play.
“Against Clinton, we need to take care of the ball and hit a few shots. It is tourney time, so anything can happen.”
