By Joe Brunk:
With a couple days to recover from the overtime thriller in the swamp, the Purples came back home to host Russell County. The last time these two teams played each other, it was in the regional semifinal in 2012, which the Purples won in route to a Sweet 16 birth.
The Purples and Lakers would trade baskets early, but BG would cap off the first quarter on an 8-3 run to lead 13-10. The Purples would stretch out the lead to double figures at one point, but some late baskets would trim it back to a six point lead at the half.
Kel Stotts would explode in the second half for Russell County, scoring 12 in the third period alone, and Russell County would take the lead back from your Purples. BG would regain the lead using six consecutive points from Logan Riehn, but a buzzer beating layup would leave us tied at 48. After giving up the first four points in the fourth quarter, Bowling Green would go on a 13-4 run, keeping Russell County cold from the field during that stretch, to take back the lead. Some late threes from the Lakers would keep things interesting down the stretch, but the Purples hold on for the win 68-62. Deangelo Wilson paced the Purples with 14. Terry Taylor had 13, and Tucker Sine finished with 12.
Round One between the Purples and Dragons is set for Friday! Join us for the district double header on PurplesNation.com!
