By Joe Brunk:
Looking for their second consecutive trip to state semifinals, Bowling Green stepped out onto Rupp Arena to take on Calloway County. The Lakers represented the First Region, and won an exciting double overtime contest over Knott County Central to reach the second round. They won that game with clutch shooting from the free throw line. It would be shooting from a different line that would be a major factor tonight.
Calloway County would jump out to the early lead, behind the great start by Skyler Hunter. The Lakers led by as much as 12 in the first quarter, before the Purples started making their way back. Bowling Green scored the final six points of the quarter, but would trail 11-17 after the first. More threes from Skyler Hunter kept the Lakers in front for the entire second quarter, and the Purples trailed 21-28 at the break. Bowling Green would put together two runs in the third quarter, an 8-2 run to bring them back within one possession for the entire period, and another eight point run to end the period, earning their first lead as Malik Carothers tipped in a rebound and converted on the extra free throw. A missed three from Hunter led to a layup for the Purples in the closing seconds, and BG led 44-40 after three quarters. Bowling Green scored 23 points in the third, which was more than they scored in the entire first half. We would trade baskets for most of the fourth quarter, but Bowling Green would never relinquish the lead, and the Purples return to the semifinals with a 65-57 win! Terry Taylor was named the player of the game with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Tucker Sine had 16 points. Malik Carothers notched some clutch baskets late, and finished with 12. Deangelo Wilson also reached double figures with 10.
Bowling Green will face Boyle County tomorrow night in the semifinals! Can the Purples overcome a surging Rebel squad to reach the finals? Join us on PurplesNation.com to find out!
