Cougar boys lose WBL contest to Elida

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

ELIDA — The Van Wert Cougars were inconsistent during a game with Elida on Friday and it cost them a win, as the Bulldogs escaped with a 56-45 Western Buckeye League victory at the Elida Fieldhouse.

The Cougars took a two-point lead, 10-8, in the first eight minutes of play, but Elida outscored them 17-6 In the second quarter to lead by nine points, 25-16, at the half.

Van Wert cut four points off that lead in the third quarter on a 20-16 rally and trailed by just five points, 41-36, at the three-quarter mark, but again were outscored by the Bulldogs, 15-9, in the final quarter.

Van Wert’s Connor Holliday led all scorers with 16 points, including an 11-of-14 performance at the free-throw line. Colin Smith added 8 points for the Cougars. Elida had two players in double figures, led by Austin Allemaier’s 14 points. Baylen Stenson added 13 points, while Josh Press scored 9 points and Peyton Smith added 8 points for the Bulldogs.

Van Wert was 14 of 35 from the field (40 percent), including 5 of 16 from behind the arc (31.3 percent). The Cougars made 12 of 17 free throws (70.6 percent).

Elida was 20 of 44 from the field (45.5 percent), including a 4-of-10 performance from three-point range (40 percent). The Bulldogs made 12 of 21 free-throw attempts (57.1 percent).

Elida outrebounded the Cougars, 20-14, while Van Wert had six fewer turnovers (8-14).

With the loss, the Cougars are now 3-8 overall and 1-3 in the WBL. Elida is now 5-7 overall and 2-2 in league play.

The Van Wert junior varsity team also lost a close game, 43-40, to the Bulldog JVs. Nick Guttierez was the Cougars’ high scorer, with 13 points, while David Unruh led Elida’s JV team with 16 points.

Van Wert will play Bryan at home tonight, and then host Kalida this coming Tuesday. The Cougars will then play Bath next Friday at home, before going on the road for a game at Coldwater next Saturday.