Cougars down Kalida for 3rd straight ‘W’

Van Wert independent sports

KALIDA — Van Wert used strong defense and outstanding free throw shooting to defeat the host Kalida Wildcats 54-40 on Tuesday night.

The win was the third straight for Van Wert (6-7) and it snapped Kalida’s (11-3) nine game winning streak.

The Cougars held Kalida to nine points in the first and fourth quarters, and the Wildcats were just 14 of 46 (30 percent) from the floor, while committing 15 turnovers.

Meanwhile, Van Wert converted 16 of 17 (94 percent) free throws, and shot 17 of 46 (40 percent) from the floor.

The Cougars held a 10-9 advantage after one quarter, but Kalida led 21-19 at haltime. Van Wert outscored the Wildcats 18-10 in the third quarter and 12-9 in the final period.

Jacoby Kelly led the Cougars with 16 points, six assists and five rebounds. Blake Henry finished with 12 points and Drew Bagley cracked double digits with 11.

Trevor Lambert led Kalida with 15 points.

Van Wert will travel to Kenton on Friday and will host Coldwater on Saturday.