Cougars get hard-fought win over Bryan

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

The Van Wert Cougars struggled, but overcame a determined Bryan to win 65-60 in a non-conference boys’ basketball game played Friday in the Cougar’s Den.

Jacob Myers led the Cougars with 26 points, including 9 of 10 at the free throw line, while Reggie Phillips added 13 points and Joey Hurless had 11 points for Van Wert. The Golden Bears were led by Aaron Bruot, who also had 26 points on the night, including three treys. Josh Lehmann scored 12 points for Bryan, while Liam Phillips added 11 counters.

It was all tied up at 15-all at the end of a quarter, while the Cougars outscored Bryan 19-14 to take a five-point lead, 34-29, at the half. The Golden Bears got out quickly in the third period, going on an 18-11 run in the quarter to lead by a basket, 47-45, heading into the final stanza.

Van Wert picked up the tempo a bit, offensively, going on a 20-13 run in the fourth quarter to eke out the victory.

With the win, the Cougars are now 9-2 on the year, while Bryan is 4-8 overall.

Van Wert was 1 of 4 from three-point range (25 percent) and made 22 of 41 two-point attempts (53.7 percent). The Cougars were 18 of 29 at the charity stripe (62.1 percent). Bryan hit 4 of 10 three-point attempts (40 percent) and was 19 of 48 from two-point range (39.6 percent). The Golden Bears made 10 of 20 free throw attempts (50 percent).

Bryan used its greater height to good advantage, dominating the boards 39-23 over the Cougars. Van Wert were also had more turnovers, 14-11, than the Golden Bears.

The game featured drama on and off the court, with two technical fouls called — one against each team — and two Van Wert fans ejected.

The Cougar junior varsity team also was victorious, to run its perfect record to 11-0 on the year. Connor Holliday was Van Wert’s top scorer, with 12 points, while Sean Culler had 10 points for the Golden Bear JVs.

The Cougars will next play on Tuesday evening at Kalida in a non-conference game against the Wildcats.