BALLINGER, TX — The Christoval Cougars traveled to Ballinger on Monday, Feb. 20, to play their Bi-District playoff matchup with the Colorado City Wolves in a contest filled with constant action and a roaring crowd that created an electric atmosphere. Regulation was not enough to decide a winner. The game came down to the wire, and Christoval claimed victory 62-59.
Christoval came out of the gates a little bit sloppy, and the Wolves took advantage. The Cougars missed shots and turned the ball over early. Colorado City kept pace with the Cougars throughout the first half. Christoval headed to the locker rooms at the break, clinging to a one-point lead, 25-24.
The Cougars came out after halftime and cleaned up their game. Christoval increased their advantage through sound defense and cleverly drawn-up plays on offense. However, Colorado City made adjustments and would not go away. Every time the Cougars went on a run, the Wolves got a stop or made a three-point shot.
Christoval Cougars
(San Angelo LIVE! Photo/Ryan Chadiwck)
Christoval Cougars
(San Angelo LIVE! Photo/Ryan Chadiwck)
Christoval Cougars
(San Angelo LIVE! Photo/Ryan Chadiwck)
As the fourth quarter wound under 30 seconds, Christoval held a 2-point advantage. Colorado City called a timeout with less than ten seconds to go with the ball. After the time out, the Wolves drove inside and banked a shot in off of the glass. The tie game at the buzzer sent the contest to overtime.
Colorado City jumped out to a four-point lead early in overtime. Christoval clawed their way back into it before Jaron Slaton took over. He scored the Cougars' final seven points to put the game away. Still, down three, Slayton swished a step-back three to take a one-point lead before stealing the inbound pass, forcing the Wolves to foul. Slaton went on to drain four free throws in a row, and the Cougars claimed victory 62-59.
After the game, Head Coach Lowry spoke on the importance of overcoming such a desperate contest.
The Cougars play the winner of Wink and Tahoka. That matchup will be played on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: