Second Chance Points Lead Rams Past Rocky Boy To Open Tournament Play

Missoula Loyola Sacred Heart Rams opened up their 2019 Class B State Basketball tournament against the Rocky Boy Northern Stars and the Rams came away with a 64-42 win.

After Rocky Boy pulled down the opening tip it took a few trips down the floor for the two teams to get into a rythm. It was not until 6:46 mark of the first quarter until anyone dropped the ball through the hoop when Cooper Waters tiped the ball back into the bucket on a rebound, putting Loyola on the board first. the North Stars got on the board at the 5:46 mark of the opening quarter, and the two team s battled back in forth for the remainder of the opening quarter.

Starting the second quarter with a four point lead Loyola went to work on the offensive boards, which in turn earned the Rams second chance points and a jump on the lead. The second quarter became a physical battle as both teams would rack up peronal fouls, one victim being Ram team leader Jacob Hollenback who was sent to the bench early. Laim Haffey would come off the bench in the first half and riegn in the paint as he would control the boards, knock down a shots, and have a couple impressive blocks.

Owning the scoreboard 33-23 to start the second half the Rams came out and wet back to work going on 7-0 run in the first 3:55 of the third quarter. Rocky Boy struggled to get open looks at the basket, and when they did Loyola was pulling down rebound which limited the North Stars secod chance points. Heating up the bucket and controlling the boards the Rams shot out to a 53-27 lead when the third quarter came to a close.

Controlling the game Loyola continued to own the boards on both ends of the court thoughtout the remainder of the final frame, holding the North Stars to limited shots. With a 25 point lead mid way through the fourth quarter the Loyola bench started subbiig in second string players, giving their bench quality minutes at the tournament level. With a youger group on the floor the Rams would stretch their lead out over Rocky Boy and cruised to a win to open their tournament play.