COVINGTON – Wednesday’s opening round game of the Buccaneer Holiday Classic against long-time rival Bradford was arguably the best overall performance on the season by the Covington Buccaneers, but unfortunately it ended in a defeat thanks to a last second three-pointer by Owen Canan.
Things were going Covington’s way early as the Buccs built a 13-10 lead after one and pushed their lead to double digits with just under 3:00 left in the first half.
In the process, Bradford lost its best player Parker Davidson due to injury, but the Railroaders were able to close the gap to 26-22 at the break. The injury to Davidson didn’t look good, but hopefully it’s not serious and the Railroader senior can return in the near future.
Even without Davidson on the floor the Railroaders battled and eventually took a 42-37 lead at the end of the third.
The momentum for Bradford changed in the fourth as Covington scratched and clawed its way back and eventually tied the score at 51-51 inside the final minute. But enough time was left on the clock for the Railroaders to plan a possible game-winning shot, which ultimately materialized as Owen Canan drilled three-pointer with 1.3 left.
This left Covington not enough time to extend the game as the final scored read 54-51 in favor of Bradford.
What ultimately doomed the Buccaneers was their inability to take advantage of opportunities at the free throw line. Covington made just 11 of 21 free throw attempts for 52%.
Britton Miller led the Buccs with 16 points and Brogen Angle scored 13 points in support.
The loss drops Covington to 1-7 on the season and the Buccs will face Northwestern in the consolation round of the Buccaneer Holiday Classic tomorrow afternoon.
SCORE BY QUARTERS:
Bradford – 10 – 12 – 20 – 12 = 54
Covington – 13 – 13 – 11 – 14 = 51
COVINGTON SCORING:
Britton Miller – 16
Brogen Angle – 13
Bryson Hite – 6
Connor Humphrey – 6
Gunner Kimmel – 5
Mic Barhorst – 3
Tanner Palsgrove – 2
BRADFORD SCORING:
Landon Monnin – 18
Hudson Hill – 10
Owen Canan – 9
Landon Wills – 9
Zage Harleman – 4
Tucker Miller – 4
THREE-POINT SCORING:
Covington – Brogen Angle (3), Bryson Hite (1), Gunner Kimmel (1), Connor Humphrey (1)
Bradford – Owen Canan (3), Hudson Hill (2)
