Maybe it was only fitting that the Mexico Bulldogs defeated the Boonville Pirates 61-56 in overtime Friday night in NCMC action at Mexico.
After all, the Pirates beat the Bulldogs last year in the championship in the California Invitational Tournament in overtime.
But with a boisterous crowd from both sides, the Pirates definitely had their work cut out while trailing for pretty much the entire game. While dropping to 2-5 overall and 2-2 in the NCMC, head coach Chris Shikles said this was a great game to be a part of.
Of course the learning curve will have to be short and sweet as the Pirates face off against Fulton in the opening round of the California Invitational Tournament tonight starting at 4:30 p.m.
As for the game Friday night, the Bulldogs took the early lead against Boonville by outscoring the Pirates 19-13 in the first period and 15-12 in the second to go up by nine at the half by a score of 34-25. Meanwhile, in the third quarter, Boonville slowly but surely began to creep its way back into the ballgame by holding a 15-13 advantage to cut the lead to seven at 47-40. Then, in the final period, the Pirates took it one step further by outscoring Mexico 14-7 to tie the game at 54-all.
Unfortunately for Boonville, they appeared to have nothing left in the overtime period as Mexico surged ahead for good with a 7-2 scoring edge for the victory.
Michael Howard led the scoring attack in the game for Mexico, who improved to 6-5 overall and 2-3 in the NCMC, with 16 points.
Anthony Allers also scored in double figures for the Pirates with 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
As for the Boonville boys junior varsity basketball team, they also fell against the Bulldogs by a score of 54-39.
The Pirates, dropping to 1-7 overall and 1-3 in the NCMC, trailed the entire first half as Mexico led 11-8 after one and 26-22 at the half. Meanwhile, in the third quarter, Boonville held the lead several times despite being outscored 14-13. While trailing 40-35 after three quarters of play, the Pirates appeared to have nothing left in the final period as the Bulldogs held a 14-4 scoring edge for the victory.
Scott Parker had the team-high for Mexico with 11 points.
For Boonville, Jason Luster tossed in 15.
Read Monday's Boonville Daily News for the rest of the story.
