A last minute schedule change with the Sutherlin Bulldogs changed a scheduled Bruin varsity basketball home game Friday evening, into a road game Friday afternoon.
The Bruins made the trip to Sutherlin Friday afternoon and settled in to a 5:30 tip-off and both teams started hitting baskets early, setting a high energy pace at both ends of the floor. The Bruin defense started in a man to man out of a 2-3 base as both teams were tied 8-8 at the midway point of first period. But the Bruin defense stiffened as the period continued, holding the Bulldog offense to just 10 points in the period as four Bruins made it on the scoreboard giving the Bruins a 14-10 lead at the end of the first period.
After allowing only two Bulldog players to score in the first period, the Bruin defense increased the pressure applying a pressure on the Sutherlin ball handlers in the back court, disrupting the Bulldog offense and allowing only 6 points in the period. Bruin center Brad Russell, #55 lead the way in the first half of play with 10 points as seven Bruin shooters led the Bruins to a 28-16 lead at the half.
Sutherlin made adjustments at the half as the Bulldogs had five players contribute in the third, putting up 16 points including two 3 pointers. The Bruins continued to hit baskets, with junior guard Jeremy Green, #3, and freshman guard Jaron Fronckowiak, #4, hitting 3 pointers to send the Bruins into the fourth period leading by double digits, 42-32.
The Bruins applied even more pressure to maintain their 10 point lead, and created scoring opportunities from Bulldog mistakes. Jaron Fronckowiak, #4, hit his second 3 pointer of the game as sophomore forward Evan Orman, #25, and freshman guard Tanner Anderson. #13, also hit from behind the arc. The Bruins defense held the Bulldogs to just 7 points in the final period, as the Bruins hit for 19 points in the period, to take the 61-39 win.
The now 1 – 1 Bruins will continue league play at home Wednesday evening at 7:00pm, when they take on the 1 – 1 who will be coming off a 19 point league loss to Cascade Christian.
