The Bearcats travelled to Hardaway in Columbus last Saturday night to face the Hawks hot off the heels of a stellar home win against Lee County. The momentum didn’t carry well as they fell in a close 56-52 battle.
Sophomore guard Tyree Crump was the point leader for the Bearcats, pouring in 18 points and going 33 percent from the field. He nailed two three-pointers and hit four of his seven free throws.
“We had our chances,” coach Rickey McCullough said. “We had the lead with a minute to go in the game and it just got away from us.”
The Bearcats contested closely with the Hawks in the first quarter, losing 13-9. By halftime, they were down only 22-20.
The third quarter saw Bainbridge adding 13 points to the board and advancing the score to 36-33, but Hardaway was able to hold on to the lead and seize the win at 56-52.
McCullough said it was difficult to travel to Columbus after a tough win the previous night. In addition, the game was held at Carver gym, not the usual location for Hardaway’s basketball games. The atmosphere was dead and the Bearcats had a difficult time pushing through the game.
“Every night is going to be tough,” McCullough said about the loss. “There aren’t ever any easy ones.”
The Bearcats played Thomas County Central Tuesday night and host Harris County Friday. Tip off is at 6 p.m. for the Lady Cats and 7:30 p.m. for the Bearcats.