Cougars lose to O-G in sectional finals

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

LIMA — The Van Wert Cougars fell 65-57 to Ottawa-Glandorf to end their season in the sectional finals on Friday at Lima Senior High School.

The Cougars trailed by four points, 12-8, after eight minutes play, but then went on a 19-15 run in the second quarter to tie the game at 27-all at the half. Ottawa-Glandorf improved its offense in the second half, outscoring Van Wert 38-30 to advance to Division II district tournament competition.

The Cougars were led by an outstanding performance from sophomore Jacoby Kelly, who scored 22 points, including three treys, to lead all scorers. Josh Braun added 17 points for Van Wert.

Jay Kaufman was the Titans’ top scorer with 14 points, while Zac Unterbrink and Kordell Stover each added 13 points for O-G.

The Cougars were 19 of 48 from the field (39.6 percent), including 7 of 18 from three-point range (38.9 percent). Van Wert made 14 of 21 free throws (66.7 percent).

Ottawa-Glandorf made 23 of 45 field goal attempts (51.1 percent), including 2 of 7 three-point attempts (28.6 percent). The Titans were 15 of 26 from the free throw line (57.7 percent).

O-G owned the boards, bringing down 30 rebounds to 21 for the Cougars, while Van Wert had two fewer turnovers, 11-13.

The Titans will now travel to Ohio Northern University in Ada for a district semifinal game against unbeaten Upper Sandusky (23-0), which beat Wapakoneta 62-55 in the other sectional title game.