Bullard pulls away from Alba-Golden after halftime

Posted 12/24/20

The Alba-Golden Panthers fell to the visiting Bullard Panthers, 64-36, in pre-district action last Tuesday.

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Bullard pulls away from Alba-Golden after halftime

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The Alba-Golden Panthers fell to the visiting Bullard Panthers, 64-36, in pre-district action last Tuesday.

In many ways it was a game of two halves. In the first half each squad was stricken by errant passing and an equal number of turnovers. Both offenses appeared overambitious trying to create open shots.

Alba-Golden featured a strong inside game with Boedy Baker recording 16 of the Panthers’ 19 first half points. The home side dominated the paint and held a healthy rebounding advantage in the first half. 

Although Bullard used a press throughout the half, Alba-Golden was able to break the press efficiently but was still unable to convert the resultant quick score opportunities. 

At the half the score stood Bullard 21, Alba-Golden 19.  

Bullard opened the second half with an 11-point run, which included three 3-pointers. They built  a 13-point lead, and Alba-Golden was unable to recover. 

A number of Bullard shooters ranged in on the basket throughout the third quarter, as the visitors began to deny the Alba-Golden inside game. The Panthers never closed the margin in the third and 9-point Bullard run early in the final quarter secured the game.

The home side can draw some distinct positives from the evening. 

The increased confidence demonstrated in combatting a full-court press was obvious to all. Alba-Golden turnovers in the first half almost all occurred in the offensive court and not as a result of back court pressure. 

Solid rebounding will definitely keep Alba-Golden in games. However, should the Panthers lapse and give up a run of points; they will be hard pressed to comeback. 

Ball movement in the first half was much improved since season start. Once the team fell behind, they tended to rush their efforts and it resulted in excessive turnovers.

This Panther team will definitely compete. The marked improvements seen since season start will no doubt continue. Alba-Golden fans should look forward to some great games once district starts Jan. 12.