Another tough Mid-State Conference clash.
Class C1 #5 (O’Neill) vs. #6 (Boone Central/Newman Grove), according to the Omaha World-Herald.
A gutty performance and big win by the Cardinals.
Boone Central/Newman Grove had to wait three extra days for one of its stiffest challenges of the season when Friday’s contest at O’Neill was postponed by weather. The Cards made the wait and long trip northwest worth it Monday night, rallying for a 60-55 victory in a battle of C1 ranked squads.
“It was a great game between two really good teams,” BC/NG Coach Justin Harris acknowledged.
Boone Central/Newman Grove displayed not only talent, but fortitude, as the Cardinals fought back on the road from numerous deficits.
The hosts came out sizzling in the first half, knocking down 7-of-10 3-point shots, each Eagle starter hitting at least one. Despite O’Neill’s 37 first-half points, BC/NG stayed within striking distance and, after trailing 37-30 at intermission, opened the second half with a 10-2 flurry to take a 40-39 lead.
The Cardinals hit a scoring drought over the last four minutes of the third period, however, and were again staring at a 48-42 deficit entering the final stanza.
Determined BC/NG wasn’t to be denied in its pursuit of a major road win though, limiting O’Neill to just seven points in the fourth quarter, allowing another Card rally.
“We changed our press midway through the fourth quarter, which had great rewards by forcing a few turnovers,” Harris noted. “We got the lead with about a minute left in the game and did the things we needed to do to seal the victory.”
Further details in Print & Online editions of Albion News
