The Purples defended their Region Championship, but it wasn’t easy. The Barren County Trojans gave the Regions unanimous #1 team all they could handle but fell up short by a final score of 49-46.
The game looked like it was going to be a defensive struggle early. The two teams traded baskets early, as Bowling Green led 7-6 after the 1st quarter. The two teams continued to trade baskets in the 2nd quarter, as Bowling Green led 18-17 after the 2nd quarter.
Bowling Green looked like they may pull away in the third; With the Trojans down 6 late in the third, Thomas Booker had a huge steal and took it coast to coast to make it 36-28 Purples after three quarters. However, Barren County answered and took a 42-41 lead late in the 4th quarter. The Purples fought back and took a one point lead late. Down 1, the Trojans were forced to foul. Deangelo Wilson hit two key free throws to extend the lead to three with enough time for Barren County to have one more shot at it. Thomas Booker stole the ball once again and the Trojans fouled with 14.1 seconds left. Booker missed the 1 and 1, and Barren County had one more shot. Coastal Carolina commit Wade Coomer had one last shot to tie the game, but the Senior’s shot fell short as Bowling Green walked off in celebration by a final score of 49-46.
Bowling Green improves to 30-2 and finish the season undefeated in Region Play. The Purples will play Elliott County next wednesday in the first round of the Region Tournament at Rupp Arena. The Purples will be looking to get back to the State Championship.
