HARTFORD–Trailing by 8 points going into the fourth, nothing was going well for the Colonels in their Monday matchup with the Hartford Hurricanes. Facing the largest deficit of their season, the Colonels found enough gas in the tank to close the contest with a 20-8 fourth quarter that secured a 54-49 victory pushing the Colonels to 8-0 on the season.
“Boy that was a grind,” stated Coach Evan Chadwick. “I give a lot of credit to Hartford, they played very well, but my guys were able to hang in there, which is a huge testament to the character I have on this team.”
Hartford came out hot, scoring the first four points of the quarter and taking a 13-9 lead after the first quarter. Josh McKenney was able to keep the Colonels close hitting a corner three, but two quick fouls forced McKenney to sit out most of the quarter.
The Colonels were able to find some momentum in the second, pounding the ball inside to Ayoub Lahar, who more than held his own against the Hurricanes twin towers who stood at 6’6″ and 6′ 3″. Lahar scored five points in the quarter, including an old fashion 3 point play that gave the Colonels their first lead at 18-16. Joey Reynolds also finished two inside moves to keep the Hurricanes at bay and, despite shooting just 1-10 from three, the Colonels went into the locker room leading 23-20.
Hartford quickly reclaimed the lead in the 3rd, starting the quarter on a 6-0 run and outscoring the Colonels 21-11. Ramen Geoprer, scored six straight points, while the Hurricane’s shifty point guard, Bradley Dillon added 3 points and 4 assists. Phoenix Chambers came alive for the Colonels scoring 5 straight points near the end of the quarter to keep the Colonels within striking distance at 41-34.
Wasting little time, the Colonels found a new level of energy early in the fourth, going on a 6-0 run to start the quarter and taking the lead at 44-42 with 4 minutes remaining. In what was the dagger for the Hurricane’s upset bid, Tristain Evans, who had struggled with his shooting for most of the game, converted a steal into a layup and then, off another steal, sank a corner three to increase the Colonel lead and allow Brattleboro to hang on for the hard earned road victory.
Lahar lead the Colonels on the night with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks followed by Evans with 16, including 11 in the fourth.
The Hurricanes were lead by Geoprer’s 16.
Bellows Falls Basketball 