Cougar boys give Defiance WBL battle

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

The Van Wert Cougars gave the Western Buckeye League-leading Defiance Bulldogs a run for their money … for one half, at least, but lost 49-41 in a game played Friday in the Cougar’s Den.

Defiance led by a basket, 10-8, at the end of the first quarter, but the Cougars went on a 15-7 run in the second quarter to lead by six points, 23-17, at the half.

The Bulldogs started their comeback in the third period, outscoring Van Wert 14-9 to trail by a point, 32-31, at the end of the quarter. Defiance then blew past the Cougars in the final period, doubling the score on Van Wert, 18-9, to garner the win.

The Cougars had three players in double figures, with Kyle Keber, Matt Bidlack and Connor Holliday, also scoring 10 points in the game. Defiance was led by 15-point offensive performances from Trey Guilliam and Katwan Singleton, while Wes Detter added 9 points for the Bulldogs.

Three-pointers and free throws were among the keys to Defiance’s win, as were turnovers. While the Cougars had more two-point field goals (10-9), Defiance made five three-pointers, versus three for Van Wert, and was 16 of 20 (80 percent) from the line, compared to the Cougars’ 12 of 15 free throw attempts (also 80 percent).

Van Wert and the Bulldogs each had 18 rebounds in the game, while the Cougars had an unusually high turnover rate of 17, versus just four for Defiance.

With the loss, Van Wert falls to 8-9 on the year and 2-5 in the WBL, while the Bulldogs are 15-2 overall and 8-1 in league play.

The Cougars did win the junior varsity game, edging Defiance 41-38. Gavin Gardner scored 16 for the Van Wert JVs, while Colin Smith added 12 point for the Cougars. Kam Singleton led Defiance with 13 points.