By Matt M. Stutz

The Pandora-Gilboa High School boys basketball team suffered their first loss of the season on January 19, as late cold shooting contributed to the 48-46 home setback to Arlington (8-4, 3-1 BVC) in Blanchard Valley Conference action.

In the first quarter, the Rockets flew out to a 14-5 advantage. From there, their shooting woes began. 

Arlington outscored P-G 15-3 in the second period, and took the lead at 20-17.

Early in the 3rd quarter, P-G was down by as many as six but stormed back, doubling their score, to head into the final quarter leading 34-30.

In the 4th quarter, the Rockets had to be feeling good, having been up by as many as seven points. With under three minutes to play, P-G’s Aidan Morris hit a three-pointer that brought the home crowd to their feet, putting the Rockets ahead 43-36. 

But Arlington did not fold. Instead they clawed their way back to tie the game up at 46 with under a minute left in regulation. Then, like last season’s last second loss to the Red Devils, Arlington banked in what proved to be the game winning shot; this time with 5.5 seconds left on the clock.  

P-G had the last try, but having to go the length of the court in those final five seconds, they were unable to get off a shot.

Colin Harris led the Rockets in scoring with 12 points, while twin brother Aiden Harris finished with 11 points. Nate Maag and Owen Huffman each scored 8 points for the Rockets as Aidan Morris knocked down a pair of 3-pointers on his way to 7 points.

SCOREBOARD

P-G (12-1, 4-1 BVC, 4-0 PCL) will next be in action Saturday night January 20th when they host Delphos St. John’s (10-2) in big non-conference match-up.