Central Oregonian

Cowboys fall 64-55 to Lava Bears

Crook County unable to overcome slow start

January 10, 2013

The Crook County Cowboys dug a huge hole for themselves and were unable to dig out as they fell 64-55 to the Bend Lava Bears in Intermountain Hybrid Basketball action.

“We got off to a slow start,” said head coach Jeff Lowenbach. “We dug ourselves a hole, but the good thing about tonight was we battled back.”

The Lava Bears raced out to a 27-12 lead at the end of the first period, before the Cowboys gradually fought their way back into the contest.

The host Lava Bears took a 34-21 lead into the half. The Cowboys finally got their offense untracked in the third period, outscoring the Lava Bears 20-13 to get back into the contest.

Crook County still trailed 47-41 entering the fourth period. However, the Cowboys had all the momentum. Crook County finally closed to within two points with just under three minutes left in the contest. Unfortunately, that was as close as they could get.

“We were right there,” Lowenbach said. “It was nip and tuck, then we missed a few shots and had a couple bad bounces and they ended up pulling away at the end.

The Lava Bears built their lead back to five points. With time winding down, the Cowboys resorted to fouling to stop the clock and the Lava Bears (5-5) knocked down their free throws to seal the victory.

“We’re not built to dig out of a 15-point hole,” Lowenbach said. “If we play a little bit better defense at the start, it’s a whole different ball game.”

Dillon Dees led the Cowboys (6-5) with 16 points, while Preston Washechek added 13 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Troy Benton was also in double figures for the Cowboys with 11 points.

Bend’s David Larson led all scorers with 21 points, while Wyatt Beaumarchais added 13 points.

The Cowboys are back in action on Friday when they host the Redmond Panthers (7-4) in an Intermountain Hybrid contest.

Tuesday, Jan. 8

at Bend

Crook County (55) — Dillon Dees 16, Washechek 13, Benton 11, Dean 8, Mahurin 5, Cooper 2, Lee, Egbert. Totals 20 10-15 55.

Bend (64) — David Larson 21, Beaumarchais 13, Johnson 10, Robinson 7, Scott 6, Parsons 4, Spitler 3, Harmeson. Totals 23 10-15 64.

Crook County 12 9 20 14 — 55

Bend 27 7 13 17 — 64

Three-point goals — Crook County: Dees 3, Washechek, Mahurin; Bend: Beaumarchais 3, Larson 2, Spitler, Robinson, Johnson.