Northern Tier Sports ReportATHENS — A big third quarter run out of NEB propelled them to a 55-47 win over Athens during NTL boys’ basketball action Friday.
The Panthers led just 23-20 at the half when they put up 19 in the third to take a 42-31 lead into the final frame.
Athens rallied in the fourth, netting 16 points, but the Panthers ultimately pulled it out.
“This was a tough, gritty win on the road,” said NEB coach Paul Burgert. “Athens is a good defensive team and very scrappy. There was a good crowd there tonight, Friday night, a fun atmosphere. I'd say a playoff type atmosphere, which is great experience as we head down the stretch. And there’s something about that gym, we have struggled there so much. In my eleven years, tonight was the first time we have won in that gym.”
Eli Stanton had 15 points, nine boards, four assists, and four steals for the Panthers, as Cooper Brown notched 12 points, and five rebounds.
Dayton Russell had 10 points on 5-for-8 shooting, as Mac Burgert had eight points to go with four assists.
Daniel Barrett finished with six points, and four assists, while Nate Gross, and Clay Wilks had two points apiece. Wilks also nabbed eight boards.
Nick Grazul had 16 to lead Athens, with Lucas Schultz scoring 11.
“The boys played very hard,” said Burgert. “Our defense tonight was outstanding. And we needed it, because with the exception of a third quarter run, we couldn't get into a rhythm offensively. Credit to Athens’ defense.”
NEB led 10-9 after the first quarter behind four points from Russell, while Stanton, and Brown had three points each.
The Panthers were able to get a little more offense going in the second behind four points from Barrett as they took the 3-point lead into the locker room.
NEB would hit nine field goals in the third, with Stanton’s six points leading the way while Burgert netted five.
In the fourth Schultz, and Grazul combined by 12 to lead the Wildcat rally.
However, Brown had five to lead NEB, while Stanton had four, as the Panthers scored 13 to preserve the win.
NEB lost the offensive rebounding battle, 17-8, but won the turnover battle, 13-8.
“The one issue we had that we have to be better is taking care of the defensive backboard,” Burgert said. “We gave up too many offensive rebounds. But I’m really proud of the guys, another great team win.”
NEB won the JV game 38-35 as Gross scored 12, with Anthony Johnson, and Brody Allen adding 10 points each.
“We'll probably be off for a few days now thanks to Snowmageddon 26, but we'll get back to work as soon as we can,” Burgert said.
NEB (14-2) are slated to host CV on Monday.
— —
PHOTOS BY MATT PATTON
