After picking up an easy win over Henderson County last night, the Purples faces a much tougher challenge over the weekend, a trip to Hopkinsville to take on the Tigers. It would be a matchup between two teams ranked in the top ten in the state of Kentucky, and two teams that made it to Rupp Arena last year.
The Purples would jump out to an early lead, as Terry Taylor would dominate the glass and put BG up 10-0. Hoptown would put in a couple of field goals in the period, but Bowling Green led 14-4 after the first. But the game would turn quickly, as the second quarter belonged to the Tigers. They went on an 11-0 run that spanned the final four minutes of the half. Jalen Johnson made the comeback complete with a three in the closing seconds to put Hopkinsville up 26-24 at the break.
We would trade baskets early in the third quarter, but the Tiger press kept the Purples at arms length for much of the period, and Hopkinsville extended their lead, up 43-37 heading into the fourth quarter. But the Purples would respond, led by Kyran Jones, who knocked down four from beyond the arc to bring Bowling Green back. The Purples took the lead in the final ten seconds, but Jalen Johnson would drive full court and lay it in at the buzzer to send us to overtime. In tthe OT period, BG would get back to their roots, controlling the glass and the pace. Jarius Key lived up to his name, having some key moments down the stretch to help the Purples seal the win, 69-62 in overtime! Kyran Jones finished with 21 to lead the Purples. Terry Taylor had 16, while Thomas Booker also reached double digits with 13.
Bowling Green opens District play next week, as we head to the Swamp on Tuesday night. Can the Purples keep momentum going before heading into the holiday tournaments? Join us on SportingTimesMagazine.com to find out!
