SHULLSBURG - For the second straight game, the Darlington boys basketball team struggled for a stretch in the fourth quarter and lost a non-conference game to Shullsburg 41-39 Monday night.
Darlington (0-2) was limited to just seven points in the fourth quarter for the second time this season.
"We haven't put it together in crunch time yet," Darlington coach Mike Hopkins said. "That is when the experienced teams put it together. We just don't have the experience."
The Redbirds led 25-17 at halftime, but couldn't close out their first win. Darlington's Cole McDonald and Cody Hardyman each scored 10 points to lead the Redbirds. The Wildcats outscored the Redbirds 17-7 in the third quarter to take the lead.
The Redbirds hit six 3-pointers led by McDonald (two) and Dylan Nyffenegger (two). The Redbirds only made four two-point field goals. Darlington's Griffin Heinberg made two free throws with about 1 minute left to cut the Wildcats' lead to one point. The Redbirds had three straight possessions to tie or take the lead, but just came up short.
"We are just not running the offense and getting the ball inside enough," Hopkins said.
Darlington will play at Barneveld Tuesday, Nov. 27.
Southwestern 64, Argyle 43
HAZEL GREEN - Southwestern's pressure defense proved too much for Argyle to overcome in a 64-43 loss to the Wildcats in a non-conference game Monday night.
The Wildcats jumped out to a 15-2 first quarter lead and never looked back.
"Their pressure defense and size were keys," Argyle coach Michael Cassidy said. "When you play against a bigger school that plays such good defense it prepares you for future games. They are tall and athletic and a very good team. It was a great learning experience. As the game went on, we did a better job with their pressure defense."
Argyle exchange student Pablo Vivas of Chile scored a team-high 10 points. Freshman Kyle Emberson scored nine points and sophomore Colton Ploessl added eight points.
Darlington (0-2) was limited to just seven points in the fourth quarter for the second time this season.
"We haven't put it together in crunch time yet," Darlington coach Mike Hopkins said. "That is when the experienced teams put it together. We just don't have the experience."
The Redbirds led 25-17 at halftime, but couldn't close out their first win. Darlington's Cole McDonald and Cody Hardyman each scored 10 points to lead the Redbirds. The Wildcats outscored the Redbirds 17-7 in the third quarter to take the lead.
The Redbirds hit six 3-pointers led by McDonald (two) and Dylan Nyffenegger (two). The Redbirds only made four two-point field goals. Darlington's Griffin Heinberg made two free throws with about 1 minute left to cut the Wildcats' lead to one point. The Redbirds had three straight possessions to tie or take the lead, but just came up short.
"We are just not running the offense and getting the ball inside enough," Hopkins said.
Darlington will play at Barneveld Tuesday, Nov. 27.
Southwestern 64, Argyle 43
HAZEL GREEN - Southwestern's pressure defense proved too much for Argyle to overcome in a 64-43 loss to the Wildcats in a non-conference game Monday night.
The Wildcats jumped out to a 15-2 first quarter lead and never looked back.
"Their pressure defense and size were keys," Argyle coach Michael Cassidy said. "When you play against a bigger school that plays such good defense it prepares you for future games. They are tall and athletic and a very good team. It was a great learning experience. As the game went on, we did a better job with their pressure defense."
Argyle exchange student Pablo Vivas of Chile scored a team-high 10 points. Freshman Kyle Emberson scored nine points and sophomore Colton Ploessl added eight points.
