DEFENSE.
The Boone Central/Newman Grove Cardinals may stake much of their success on stopping opponents in 2018-19. That was certainly the case this past week, as BCNG rebounded from a season-opening loss to post its initial victories of the new campaign.
BCNG followed a similar formula in both wins, holding Central City and Pierce to 30 percent field goal shooting. The Bison and Bluejays both shot below 40 percent from 2-point range and combined to make only seven 3-point field goals in the two games.
That defensive prowess allowed the Cardinals to outscore their foes in 6-of-8 quarters, holding Central City and Pierce to 10 or fewer points in six periods of play.
Boone Central/Newman Grove scored its first win of the season Thursday at Central City, outscoring the Bison 43-19 in the second and third quarters of a 69-45 decision.
Pierce-BCNG Mid-State Conference games have long been tooth-and-nail defensive battles, and Friday night’s contest in Albion was no exception. The Cardinals were the superior defensively, earning a 44-36 victory that was more substance than style.
BCNG limited the Bluejays to just 13 points in the first half, carving out a six-point edge, then held off Pierce rally efforts in the second half of a tense struggle.
