craigdailypress.com

The Moffat County High School boys basketball team looked to be in for a roller coaster ride last night against the Delta Panthers.

The two teams battled back-and-forth throughout the contest before the visiting Panthers finally took control in the fourth quarter, and emerging with a 72-62 victory. Delta outscored Moffat County 30-19 in the final frame.

Moffat County dropped to 4-10 in Western Slope play and 5-15 overall.

Delta improved to 7-5, 10-7.

The fourth-quarter ended up being a battle of the free-throw shooters as Delta took advantage of MCHS being in the bonus for fouls.

After being tied at 12 after the first quarter of play, it appeared that whoever had the ball last might win the game.

Delta edged the Bulldogs in the second quarter 20-17 and took a 32-29 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

MCHS came out in the third and regained the momentum with a 14-10 scoring edge in the eight-minute frame.

The Bulldogs took a slim 43-42 lead into the fourth quarter, but the Panthers saved the best for last.

Delta used an in-your-face defense to pressure the Bulldogs, and showed good poise at the charity stripe in the decisive fourth quarter.

Junior J.T. Haddan led the Bulldogs with 17 points.

Classmate Eli Buckner contributed 14 and sophomore Collin Jackson rounded out the double-digit scoring with 10.

Coach Scott Parker said one of the key differences in the ballgame was Delta's 6-for-10 behind the 3-point line.

"It was back-and-forth until there was about 2:30 left in the fourth quarter, and they had the ball," Parker said. "They banged the 3-pointer tonight, and we came down at the other end and didn't convert."

While Delta may have capitalized on free throws in the clutch, MCHS ended the night 13-for-17.

Parker said his squad has been spending more time practicing from the charity stripe.

The Panthers defeated MCHS by two on their home court earlier in the season.

Last night's game was the third in four nights for the Panthers, who close out their season Friday at home against Eagle Valley.

Drew Turner can be contacted at 970-824-7031 ext 211 oraturner@craigdailypress.com