10 straight points in the second half vs. New Prague
(photo by Jim Lindquist)
With seven minutes to play Friday night at Tiger Gym Farmington held a 51-43 lead over New Prague and all indications pointed to the resurgent Tigers running their winning streak to four games.
The Trojans spoiled the happy ending, however, holding the home team to one field goal the rest of the way on the way to a 59-56 win. New Prague closed the night on a 16-5 run.
"They ramped up the pressure and we helped them by taking some shots we shouldn't have," Farmington coach Sondra Chadwick. "The shots we did get we couldn't get to fall."
Early foul trouble again plagued the Tigers. Starters Taylor Meyer and Mariah Mincke both had to sit a long stretch of the first half with two personals. New Prague hit 10 of 16 free throws in the first 18 minutes while Farmington went to the stripe just once.
But even with its post players out, Farmington kept it close. Guards Isis Alexander (9 points) and Sofia Chadwick (8) combined for 17 first half points as New Prague led 29-23 at intermission.
Farmington scored the first seven points of the second half and thanks to a personal 10-0 run by Desiree Loftus midway through the period built a 47-35 cushion with nine minutes remaining.
"Desiree provided a big spark for us off the bench on the second half," Chadwick said.
New Prague finally tied the game at 52-52 with 2:12 to play and eventually clinched it from the free throw line. Meyer's three-pointer cut the deficit to 57-56 with 17 seconds left but a turnover and two more free throws sealed the deal for the visitors.
The Tigers finished with 23 field goals made, five more than the opposition, but the Trojans outscored them from the line by a dominating 23-9.
Taylor Meyer
14 points, 12 rebounds
(photo by Jim Lindquist)
Meyer racked up her fourth double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Alexander netted 12 and dished out six assists. Loftus also had a dozen and Chadwick recorded 10 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Despite the outcome, coach Chadwick said there were some clear positives to take away from the loss.
"I thought we handled the ball well and we had no problem with their press," she said. "Overall I was proud of the girls and I told them we just need to focus on our next game and work on what we need to do as individuals to keep ourselves out of foul trouble."
The Tigers return to Missota Conference play Tuesday, Jan. 31. with a road game at Chaska.
