The opening minutes of the game had a lot of back-and-forth between two teams that like to move up and down the court. Nevada started things off with a Kellen Braden lay-up to take the early lead of 2-0, but Pittsburg would go right down the court and even things up. The Purple Dragons showed off their size on the offensive and defensive glass cleaning up the boards and giving themselves many opportunities for second and third-chance points. The end of the 1st quarter would have a score of Nevada 11, Pittsburg 20.
When Nevada would begin to build some momentum it seemed to be quickly snuffed out by a foul, and then a quick bench warning that seemed to make the Tigers a bit leery of showing too much emotion as well as holding back a little on defense as two of the Tiger starters had 3 fouls each before the second quarter was over. The Purple Dragons continued to play with ease up and down the court with only 3 fouls called on the entire team in the same amount of time.
Nevada’s struggles from the 3-point line continued over as they work to find their basketball legs as well as being well-contested by the long arms of the Pittsburg defenders. Nevada did go 4 for 4 from the free-throw line which was a point of emphasis after Friday’s Frontenac loss, and something they continue to build on going forward. The teams would go into the locker room with a score of 16-45.
The Tigers worked hard going into the new half of basketball, finding ways to move the ball as they tried to find a rhythm and play Nevada Tiger Basketball. They had their best quarter of scoring but just found themselves in a hole too large to climb out of. The third quarter would end with a score of 29-73, initiating a turbo clock in the 4th quarter. As both teams began subbing in players, the 4th quarter flew by and the game ended with a score of 36-78. Jack Cheaney led the way with 14 points and was the only Tiger to reach double-figures.
After the game, Coach Shaun Gray said “Tonight, Pittsburg was relentless running the floor in transition, and not only did we not get back defensively, but we did not communicate and we took average to below average shots that helped to fuel their transition offense”
With basketball, as well as any sport, even when one takes a sucker punch to the gut, you still have to get back up and figure out what you’re next step is. For the Tigers, they don’t have a lot of time to focus on the defeat as they will be right back in action in the Carthage Tournament on Thursday against a tough Webb City team.
Coach Gray emphasized this in the locker room after the game by letting the team know that “someone said you’re either winning or you’re learning, tonight we are definitely learning. Learning that we have a long way to go to be the best version of ourselves.” He also reiterated that “this group has tremendous grit and leadership, and I have no doubt we will continue to grow from these tough losses together. We are excited to head to Carthage on Thursday for a fun and tough weekend of competition.”
Be sure to follow your Nevada Tigers by watching them on NevadaMoTV, as well as on Sunny 99.9FM as they continue to come together as a team and make Nevada proud.
Win or lose, this team represents their school and their community well.
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