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Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Cougar boys get tourney win over Cavs

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

ST. MARYS — The Van Wert Cougars looked better than they have in several weeks as they defeated Coldwater in a Division III sectional tournament game played at St. Marys on Wednesday.

Van Wert's Nathan Stoller (11) goes up for a layup during Wednesday's sectional tournament game against Coldwater. (Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent)
Van Wert’s Nathan Stoller (11) goes up for a layup during Wednesday’s sectional tournament game against Coldwater. (Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent)

The first half wasn’t all that great for the Cougars, who took a three-point lead, 10-7, in the first quarter, only to lose it in the second period when Coldwater went on a 14-8 run to lead by three points, 21-18, at the half.

The second half was a different story, though, as Van Wert outscored the Cavaliers 36-17, including a 21-10 third quarter run, to win going away.

The Cougars had three players in double figures, led by 15-point offensive performances from Michael Smelser and Connor Holliday. Kyle Keber added 11 points for Van Wert.

Coldwater’s top scorer was Brody Hoying, the only Cavalier player in double figures, with 16 points.

The Cougars were 19 of 39 from the field (48.7 percent), including a 11-of-20 performance from two-point range (55 percent). Coldwater made 13 of 40 field goal attempts (32.5 percent).

Both teams shot well from the free throw line, with Van Wert making 8 of 11 free throw attempts (72.7 percent), and the Cavaliers canning 5 of 7 from the line (71.4 percent).

The Cougars outrebounded Coldwater 26-20, while the Cavaliers had fewer turnovers, 7-8, than Van Wert.

The win advances the Cougars (11-12) to the Division III sectional tournament championship game at St. Marys against St. Henry (16-7). The teams will play in the second game of the night this Friday, following the Lima Central Catholic-Allen East game.

Coldwater ends its season with a 10-12 record.

VW boys vs Coldwater sectional tourney 2-2014

POSTED: 02/27/14 at 6:35 am. FILED UNDER: Sports