Narrow loss ends Panthers run

KARI GIBB/MDN Rugby junior Taytum Risovi (5) shoots over Bottineau senior Carson Haerer in quarterfinal action of the 2024 NDHSAA Division A, Region 3 Tournament at the MSU Dome
The Rugby Panthers boys’ basketball team’s season came to an end Monday in the quarterfinals of the 2024 NDHSAA Division A, Region 3 Tournament at the MSU Dome. The Panthers fell 46-42 to the Bottineau Braves in a closely contested game.
Despite the Braves leading nearly the entire game, it was not assuredly so. The first quarter ended 13-11 and it was 24-21 at the half.
In the evenly matched game, the third quarter carried on the way the contest started. By the time the final quarter was ready to start, Bottineau held a 38-34 lead that would be cut to 40-39 with just over a minute to play. In the end, time would run out before Rugby would have a chance to close the gap.
Rugby led in all statistical categories but one; turnovers. The press defense by the Braves had the Panthers turnover the ball 20 times compared to 13 for the Braves. In the narrowly contested matchup, that was enough for the win to go with Bottineau.
Rugby had five players score. Junior Tucker Volk had 16 points and freshman Jove Risovi added nine points and five rebounds. Senior Rylan Hildenbrand had ten rebounds on the night as well as six points. Fellow senior Conner Klein added six points and five rebounds as well. The Panthers were 15-47 from the field, 5-16 from three point range and 7-10 from the free throw line.
Bottineau had six players score. Senior Carson Hearer had 16 points while freshman Emmerson Marum added 15 points. Both players had three rebounds each. Junior Bud Wilke gathered in ten boards for the Braves. Bottineau was 15-56 from the field, 8-30 from three point land and 8-14 from the free throw line.
Rugby finished the season with a 8-14 record, and the Panthers were 3-5 in Region 3 play.