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The Columbus Cardinals picked up a huge win on their home court Friday night by defeating the undefeated Rice Raiders 72-68 in overtime.
The game was as tight as the score reflects but it was the Cardinals sheer determination and tenacity to win the game that ultimately decided the outcome.
In the fourth quarter the Raiders were leading by five with under a minute left. To save time and get more possessions the Cardinals began fouling the Raiders to stop the clock and get the ball back.
The Raiders struggled heavily at the free throw line during this stretch and when the Cardinals smelled blood in the water the feeding frenzy was on which frustrated the Raiders The Raiders’ frustration began to mount, and the closer the Cardinals got to tying the game the more frustrated the Raiders became. At the start of overtime, the Raiders frustration boiled over.
The Raiders starting point guard, Robert Bennett, because of a technical foul after arguing a call with the referee. This brought a new life to the Cardinals student section, and they began to pulse louder and louder with each made free throw after the technical foul call.
Trevor Berger played a big role in keeping the Cardinals in the game, scoring huge buckets in the second half and overtime. Berger ability to play fast, physical and precise was something to see Friday night because the Raiders had no answer for him.
The young forward racked up 30 points in Friday’s game and dominated the free-throw line in overtime. Berger did not act alone though, and Camdon Pitchford deserves a ton of credit for his effort as well.
Pitchford and Berger were the driving force behind the Cardinals late fourth quarter comeback to even get the Cardinals to over time. The duo was constantly yelling at their teammates what defensive set to be in or what offensive scheme to run.
During breaks in the action the pair were seen discussing strategy and who to guard in the next play when action resumed. The Raiders struggled to find an answer for these two, but they are such an athletic and talented basketball team they kept things close.
Pitchford and Berger were able to close out the game by scoring a couple of late free throws to hand the Raiders their first loss in district play so far this season.
Both the Raiders and the Cardinals will go their separate ways as their respective district schedules roll on with Columbus battling Yoakum on the road and Rice taking Hallettsville on their home court on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m.
