ELGIN — Slows starts in both the first and second half proved costly for the Wolfpack boys basketball team Thursday night as visiting Clearwater/Orchard claimed a 42 to 32 victory.
The Cyclones outscored the Wolfpack 23 to 10 in the first and third quarters to build a lead which they would not surrender on this night.
Leading 32 to 19 entering the fourth quarter, the Cyclones had to hold off a ferocious Wolfpack comeback as they cut the lead to single-digits on several occasions and had opportunities to make it a close game. However, as has been the case for much of the season, when the Wolfpack needed a clutch basket the ball would not fall through the rim.
A three-point play by Nash Schindler cut the Cyclones’ lead to 35 to 30 with just over three minutes remaining. After two free throws, Ross Schindler converted in the paint to close the margin to five points with just under two minutes remaining in the game. However, the Cyclones closed out the game, making five of 10 free throws while holding the Wolfpack scoreless.
Senior Nash Schindler led the Wolfpack with eight points, doing much of his damage inside the paint. He also led the Wolfpack in rebounds with seven.
As a team the Wolfpack made just 10 of 48 shots from the field. The Cyclones were 14 of 42 (33 percent) from the field.
From the free throw line the Cyclones made 13 of 21. The Wolfpack were just 10 of 18.
The loss dropped the Wolfpack’s record to 8-12 heading into their final regular season game Friday night at O’Neill St. Mary’s (21-0).
Cyclones 42, Wolfpack 32
Cyclones……..10 9 13 10 — 42
Wolfpack………5 9 5 13 — 32
Wolfpack — Nash Schindler 3-11 2-4 8, Evan Parks 3-9 0-0 7, Nick Heithoff 1-6 1-2 4, Lee Bartak 0-2 3-6 3, Caleb Pelster 1-4 1-2 3, Andrew Heithoff 0-2 3-4 3, Drew Schindler 1-9 0-0 2, Ross Schindler 1-3 0-0 2, Blake Anderson 0-2 0-0 0, Levi Kerkman 0-0 0-0 0, Jake Eischeid 0-0 0-0 0, Trent Hoefer 0-0 0-0 0, Christopher Bode 0-0 0-0 0. Team totals: 10-48 10-18 32. Cyclones team totals: 14-42 13-21 42.
Rebounds — Wolfpack 29 (Nash Schindler 7, Drew Schindler 6), Cyclones 25. Assists — Wolfpack 4 (Lee Bartak 2). Steals — Wolfpack 6. Turnovers — Wolfpack 14, Cyclones 15.
