Colbert scores 29 in Gorillas' win

DAVENPORT – The Gorillas overcame a lackluster first quarter to defeat Kettle Falls 67-55 in an NE2B matchup Saturday, Jan. 25. Caige Colbert scored 29 points to help Davenport get back on the winning track after losing its previous three games.

Having won only four games this season, Kettle Falls was on its way to a fifth victory after outplaying the Gorillas in the first eight minutes of the game. The Bulldogs spread the floor with three 3-point baskets and converted on seven of 13 shots to take a 17-8 lead.

Early in the second quarter the Gorillas went on a scoring frenzy, and the tide turned. Colbert hit a 3-pointer followed by a Bennett Wagner steal that resulted in an old-fashioned 3-point play when he was fouled on a drive to the basket. Seconds later, McGuire Knopp scored three points on a similar play to give the Gorillas their ninth point within minutes. The Gorillas 27 point eruption in the second quarter gave them a 35-28 lead at the half. Colbert scored 14 points in the half, 12 of which came from behind the 3-point arc.

"After the first quarter, Coach (Matt Henry) said, 'It's up to you guys. Do you want to come together and make better decisions and play together?'" Tommy Furman said. "From there, we played more poised and made better passes."

The Bulldogs' Mace Thivierge and Talan Fisher combined for 23 second half points, but that was not enough to put a dent in Davenport's lead. Colbert scored 15 second half points to lead the Gorillas to the 67-55 win.

Besides Colbert's 29 points, he also recorded six rebound and a blocked shot. Titus Lathrop and Wagner each scored 10 points. Knopp scored eight points and Tommy Furman scored six. Tommy Furman also controlled the boards with 11rebounds. Joel Odenrider and Jacob Furman rounded out the scoring with two points each.

Thivierge was the high point man for the Bulldogs with 23 points.

"We've been in a slump lately," Tommy Furman said. "One key to this win was that we shared the ball better. We still need to hit our shots and talk better defensively."

He reserved special praise for his brother, Jacob.

"He did a really good job on defense. He kept their post out of the paint and played good help defense."

The win improved Davenport's overall record to 7-10 and league record to 6-5. Kettle Falls fell to 4-11 and 2-6.

The Gorillas' next home game is Senior Night against Reardan on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 6:00 p.m.