For the Dove Creek boys basketball team, it was the same old story.
After hanging with Norwood during a competitive first half, the Bulldogs came unglued during the third and fourth quarters, losing 65-44 at home on Jan. 25.
Playing with energy early on, the Bulldogs received a boost from senior Taylor Hankins, who, pulling several offensive boards, scored six of his 13 total points during the first half to help the Bulldogs conclude the second quarter trailing 23-19.
Also key to the Bulldogs first half effort was the play of sophomore Jordan Ernst, who, in addition to creating several easy buckets for teammates, scored four of his 12 total points during the first half.
“The first half, we were just fighting and we had heart,” said Hankins.
Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, all fight disappeared early in the third quarter however, as Norwood used a 9-0 run to open a 32-19 lead midway through the quarter.
After several buckets by Norwood senior Morgan Rummel, the Bulldogs’ deficit grew to 38-27 entering the fourth quarter and before long, the game was all but over.
“We get too excited,” said Hankins, discussing his team’s second half struggles. “Our heart goes away and we miss easy shots. We need to work on (our layups).”
With their record now at 1-11 on the season, the Bulldogs will next play at home against Ridgway on Feb. 1.