.gif)
The Columbus Cardinals hosted the Columbia Roughnecks for their home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Columbus High School.
The Cardinals lost the game 6044 after a huge third quarter from the Roughnecks.
The Cardinals had full control of the game in the first half with Trevor Berger leading the way with 19 points. Trace Braden and Zane Barnes also contributed to the offensive effort, scoring five and six points respectively.
The Cardinals wasted no time establishing a lead early in the game with their offense running wild on the Roughnecks’ defense. Berger, Braden and Barnes were leading the early attack where they racked up four three-pointers total.
They also controlled the free throw line, shooting a combined 9/10 at the stripe. The Cardinals were seemingly in control going into the break. The Cardinals were sitting on top when the two teams went to the locker room and feeling very confident about their performance thus far.
Leading 25-21 at halftime the Cardinals knew the Roughnecks were going to deliver a counterpunch and they made sure the punch landed. The Roughnecks offense found a rhythm to start the third while limiting the Cardinals chances on defense.
The Roughnecks outscored the Cardinals 21-12 in the third quarter to take the lead 42-37. The Cardinals’ Offense was held in check in the second quarter, especially in the fourth quarter.
After securing the lead the Roughnecks held the Cardinals to only seven points and were able to close out the game shortly after to capture their first win of the season. The loss left a sour taste in the Cardinals mouth because they were competing in the first half before the wheels fell off in the second half.
They look ahead to their next game on Monday, Nov. 20, when they take on the Weimar Wildcats at Columbus High School.
