Cougars lose first conference game to Mustangs 36-33
1/19/24: The Cottage School Cougars travelled to cross-town rival, Mill Springs Academy on Friday night. TCS came in 5-0 in the AAC and MSA was 4-2, but after this contest there are now no undefeated teams in the league. The Mustangs battled back late to take a lead and held it defeating the Cougars 36-33.
Mill Springs led 31-28 with just over three minutes left in regulation when Maxwell Lagan tied the game at 31 apiece with a three pointer, but the Mustangs converted on two baskets and a free throw while the Cougars could only muster in one bucket, missing their final five shots to end the contest taking the 36-33 loss.
The Cougars roared to a strong start up 14-6 by the end of the first period. With only one turnover, TCS was patient moving the ball around the floor with precision converting on six baskets and a free throw while displaying great team defense. The Mustangs were able to adjust and having two fine guards sure helped. #23-Hill and #5-each scored 30 of their 36 total team points to get MSA back in the contest. At the half, TCS held a slim 20-19 edge but after three periods, MSA took their first lead up 27-26.
Cottage will play in a friendly Alumni contest on Saturday night at Homecoming 2024, before playing three games next week beginning with AASD on Tuesday at the Cougar Center.
Game Notes:
Jackson Barnes had a strong consistent game with zero turnovers. He finished with 9 rebounds, 8 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals.
Jack Kane also played well, especially early. He put in 8 points and added 5 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
Andrew Dorsey gathered 3 steals, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and scored 6 points.
Maxwell Lagan scored 11 points with 5 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.