The 3-1 Bruin boys were on the road Monday evening, making the drive to Medford for a 5:30 tip-off against the 2-3 St. Mary’s Crusaders for their first match-up of the 2022 season.
The Bruins, coming off of a close win Friday night against South Umpqua came into St. Mary’s determined to get off to an early lead, and both teams spent much of the first half of the opening period finding their range with the Bruins taking an early 5-3 lead in the first 4:00 minutes of play. Senior Jake Beaman, #1 led the way early for the Bruins, hitting three early baskets for 6 points.
The Bruins struggled to get center #55 Brad Russell involved early as the Bruins out scored the Crusaders 12-11 to finish the first. Coming out in the second period, Russell became a big part of the offense, leading the Bruins with 6 points in the paint. Ethan Orman #32, had 5 of the 7 p
The Crusaders took their offense beyond the arc, scoring 9 of their 13 points in the period from 3 pointers, holding on to send both teams to the locker room at the half with the Bruins holding a 26-24 lead.
The Bruins came out in the second half and put a full press on the Crusaders to disrupt the St. Mary’s offense, while stretching out a 7 point lead mid way through the third period. The Bruins Jaren Fronckowiak, #4, took over the third quarter, leading all scorers in the period with 12 points, including two 3 pointers, sending the Bruins into the final period leading 47-38.
The Crusaders began to break the Bruins defensive press, throwing over the top, but were only able to close the Bruin lead by 1 point, leaving the Crusaders trailing by 6 points with just 6:00 minutes left to play. However, the Crusaders closed the gap as time began to become a factor, tying the game at 54-54 with just 25 seconds left to play. The Bruins ran a play to junior Josh Serna #34 in the corner for a 3, which was partially blocked and recovered by the Crusaders before being fouled and sent to the line with seconds left in the game.
The Crusaders hit one of two, giving them a 55-54 lead as time expired, sending the Bruins on a long ride home contemplating a 1 point loss.
The Bruin boys will be on the road again Wednesday, traveling to Winston Oregon for an early evening 5:30 tip-off against the 3-3 Douglas Trojans.
