The Bruin Boys have seen the season go by with some great games, but have also experienced some really tough situations that have left them on the outside of the postseason, looking in.
The 3-5 Bruins and the 6-2 St. Mary’s Crusaders matched up Tuesday night. The Crusaders jumped out front early and put 18 points up in the first period. The Bruins tried to drive to the basket early and the Crusader defense used their height advantage to hammer Bruin ball handlers in the lane and held the Bruins to just 9 points in the first taking a 9-18 lead into the second.
In the second the Bruins woke up and forced their way into the game, rallying behind Andrew Burger who had the hot hand early. The Bruins put 12 points up in the second period while the Bruin defense held St. Mary’s to just 4 points early in the second and bringing the score within one 21-22 at the mid-way point of the second.
The game remained close throughout with both teams making runs and stretching a slight before the other would reel the other back, not letting either get too far ahead. The Bruins led mid-way through the third period 47-42 before the Bruins broke down.
In a tight game going into the final minutes of the fourth period, the Bruins committed fouls that allowed St. Mary’s to close the gap at the free-throw line. Fouls and frustration hurt the Bruins late as the Crusaders dominated the boards giving them second opportunities to hit shots late.
A frustrated Logan Holler #33, working inside for 2 of his points, received a technical foul and was ejected with less than 2:00 minutes in the game leading to a 12 point St. Mary’s run to win the game.
The Bruins went from leading late to falling to the Crusaders by 9 points in the final 3:00 minutes of play, losing to the Crusaders 73-82 in their final home game of the 2020 season.
The Bruins will close out the season this Friday on the road taking on the South Umpqua Lancers in Myrtle Point at 7:30 pm.
