(Blackwell)– In the season opener for Cushing back in November, the Tigers and Maroons split, with the Lady Maroons getting a win, and the Tiger Boys winning. Six weeks later and a change of venue did not produce a different result, although the Lady Tigers played much better, even though they sustained another loss.
But Coach Brad Crace saw the Lady Tigers play their best half of the season against a seasoned Blackwell team, on the Lady Maroons home floor, Cushing managed to finish the first period with a 10-8 lead. At halftime, the score stood at 19-18, with a one point advantage to the Lady Maroons. Cushing left the floor visibly pumped up, realizing that they were only a half away from a big upset, and had played far and away their best half of basketball.
But Blackwell would outscore Cushing 22-7 in the third period to dash the Lady Tigers hopes of an upset road win. The Lady Maroons went on to win 49-31 on their homecoming night.
Although the Boys game was much closer than was the case on opening night, Cushing prevailed 64-53, with a late flurry of scoring, much of it from the free throw line. Cushing led at halftime 28-24, and at the end of three quarters, still held only a four point lead at 43-39. But the Tigers would outscore the Maroons 21-14 in the fourth period to seal the win.
Next action for both teams comes Tuesday night in Tecumseh. Those games can be heard live on KUSH, starting at 6:30 PM.
