Tiger boys suffer two narrow losses

ODESSA-The Tiger boys suffered two very narrow losses in the last week, with the first being against the Almira-Coulee-Hartline Warriors 47-44 Friday, Jan. 6.

The Warriors scored nine points in the first four minutes of gameplay, while the Tigers scored four.

The Tigers were aggressive with defense but had trouble making easy baskets.

By the end of the first quarter, ACH led 23-9.

The Warriors scored two points, while Odessa junior Jacob Scrupps countered with a lay-up.

The Tigers caught their second wind halfway through the second quarter and scored 12 more points to ACH's eight.

The Warriors were still ahead by ten points by the end of the second quarter, 31-21.

The start of the third quarter looked bleak again as Odessa could only score seven more points to Almira's 13, 44-28.

The Tigers started to light up the scoreboard at the start of the fourth quarter. Odessa scored another 17 points to Almira's three.

The Tigers' defense and determination came just a little too late and a back-and-forth ensued with both teams.

After one last effort at the buzzer from Odessa fell short, ACH had escaped with a three-point victory.

Odessa suffered another narrow loss on the road to the Wilbur-Creston-Keller Wildcats 47-41 Saturday, Jan. 7.

Head Coach H.P. Carstensen said the fundamentals are there, but they must incorporate them all together.

"I think we play great defense," Carstensen said. "But need to try and find ways to make the easy baskets."

He said limiting turnovers would also be helpful.

The Tigers will face Valley Christian in an away game at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, before hosting Wellpinit Saturday.