Raiders eliminated from playoffs

The Rice Raiders season ended on Friday, Feb. 23, after losing to Poth.

The Raiders beat Great Hearts Northern Oaks in double overtime to get to their matchup with Poth, but unfortunately their playoff journey ended.

Vs. GHNO, 84-82, 2OTW

The Raiders came into the playoffs having a habit of taking games to overtime and their round one matchup was no different. The Raiders and GHNO had a very competitive matchup full of everything fans love.

There was a lot of emotion to keep the crowd fired up for four full quarters of basketball but there was also drama on the court. Drama, as in plenty of lead changes, momentum-swinging buckets, and crazy defensive stands.

This type of game is what the Raiders like to play but a lot of teams struggle to keep up, but GHNO stayed right on their hip and did not let the Raiders run away with this one. They kept the game close, but the Raiders have always found a way to win all season long in these types of games and this one was no different.

Being pushed to double overtime in any game is taxing on the team and the Raiders got a first-hand experience as to why heading into their game against Poth.

Vs. Poth, 65-49, L

After a physical and hardfought win over GHNO the Raiders had two days to reset and rest before playing one of the top teams in the bracket.

It’s tough to get going because guys are tired and sore, but that’s the playoffs everyone is tired and sore, and Poth came in knowing what it takes. The Raiders are a young group and will learn from this type of loss and moving forward they have all the pieces in place to come back next season and make another run.

Wins and losses always come for teams, and some are not as favorable timing-wise, case in point with this game for the Raiders. But they gained valuable experience and will find a way to bounce back next season.