BREWSTER – Much of Oroville’s success this season has come from its 3-point shooting prowess.
So when the Hornets got shut out from behind the arc, while Brewster hit 10 triples in Friday’s contest, the result wasn’t too surprising. The Bears’ 68-53 victory wasn’t at all surprising in that context.
“Thirty points is hard to make up by twos,” said Oroville coach Allen Allie. “Especially when you’re not playing very well.
“We didn’t play as a team again, and that really hurts when you’re playing quality teams. We tried too many one-on-one plays and wouldn’t run the offense for more than three passes. This caused us to have too many turnovers, which seems to be our motive on the road.”
The Bears hit seven 3-pointers in the first half, including four by Easton Driessen. Still, the Hornets were still in the game, trailing 37-28 at the half.
A 21-9 Brewster run in the third quarter put the game out of reach.
“We can’t seem to get a good win on the road,” Allie said. “We are now in mid-season, which means we don’t have long to get our act together as a team.”
Driessen led all scorers with 25 points, with Eric Knapp adding 18 and Josh Squires 12 for the Bears (7-7, 5-1 CWL), who took sole possession of second place in the CWL North Division with the victory.
Michael Garrett paced the Hornets (8-5, 3-2) with 17 points and C.J. Mathews had 12.
Oroville 82, Liberty Bell 66
OROVILLE – The Hornets kept themselves on solid playoff footing Tuesday, Jan. 17, getting their offense untracked in an 82-66 victory over Liberty Bell. The victory
Though the Hornets’ offensive output matched their season-high, Allie said it was the team’s defensive intensity the keyed the win.
“Both teams played well tonight but our defense, at least for three quarters, was the difference,” he said. “We pressured Liberty Bell from the start and were able to keep them from getting good shots.”
Oroville led 23-13 after one quarter, but the Mountain Lions put up 26 points in the second quarter to cut the halftime lead to 41-39. Liberty Bell had four players score at least four points apiece in the quarter, including eight by Cody Cupp, who hit a pair of 3-pointers.
The Hornets took control in the second half, allowing only 27 points after the break, while Michael Garrett scored 16 of his game-high 29 points in the second half to lead the offensive effort.
“We have to have this type of intensity every game, not just every so often, if we plan on reaching our goals,” Allie said. “The guys played well, we ran plays and scored just as we should. I think we get tired easily, not having a deep bench, and the guys have been adjusting to taking more breaks throughout the game.”
Kyle Putnam led Liberty Bell with 18 points, with Cupp adding 14 and Keelan Christiansen 12.
Connor Hughes added 19 points for the Hornets, C.J. Mathews tallied 14 and Luke Kindred had 10, including eight in the second quarter to keep Oroville ahead at the half.
“Liberty Bell, as well as every other team in our league, can beat you if you’re not prepared,” Allie said. “I think we have a pretty even league this year.”
