Warriors Down Cougars In Double Overtime At NVC

Neligh-Oakdale and Niobrara/Verdigre fans both knew Monday's second-round match up in the Niobrara Valley Conference Tournament would be a tough one, but no one could have predicted just how tough it would be.

The Warriors jumped out to a quick lead in the first quarter, but Niobrara/Verdigre battled back to eventually enter halftime up 39-31. Neligh-Oakdale coach Frank Gade said his halftime message was to preach defense and stop the Cougars.

"Defense. We gave up 39 points in the first half, our goal is under 40. Per game," he said. 

In the third, Neligh-Oakdale came out hot once again, tying the game up and then subsequently trading blows with the Cougar throughout the half. With 10.9 seconds remaining in regulation, Tyson Belitz completed an and-one to give the Warriors a 65-62 lead before Niobrara/Verdigre's Christian Swalley tore down the court and hit a 3 to send the game to overtime. 

In the extra frame, both teams continued to play an evenly matched game, with the Cougars eventually taking a 75-72 lead with 4.5 seconds left. However, Nate Sandoz missed the second half of a one-and-one for the Cougars. Belitz took the rebound and, as time expired, nailed a three from the top of the arc to send the game to a second overtime. In that frame, the Warriors were able to hold Niobrara/Verdigre to just two points while hitting crucial free throws to finish with an 82-77 win.

The Warriors were the benefactors of huge games from Belitz and Grant White. Both stars finished with 29 points on the night on a combined 16-of-37 shooting. Besides his late-game heroics, Belitz also did the dirty work under the rim for the Warriors, pulling down 15 total rebounds, including six on the offensive end and dishing out six assists. White added five rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Alex Kerkman added 14 points, Chris Bentley had eight and Austin Rice made his only attempt for two points and pulled in six rebounds. 

After an exhaustingly long game, Gade said the kids will have a chance to rest a bit before taking on West Holt on Thursday.

"We'll go a little bit shorter (in practice). We usually do after Christmas anyway," he said. "Realistically, lets get our shooting in, get our defense in, talk a little scouting and that's it."