by Thomas Spencer
In a nail-biting District 13C matchup on Tuesday night, the Darby Boys narrowly outpaced the Pirates of Victor 29-26. From one perspective, this was a hard-fought defensive battle with neither side giving up much all game. From another point of view, this game was one of the offensive missteps and struggles for both squads.
The numbers really tell the story in this matchup. The Tigers shot 27% from the field and 12% from the three or 2/17 from the three-point line, the two fourth-quarter baskets that sealed the win for Darby.
Like the Tigers, the Pirates struggled offensively, shooting 25% from the field and cashing in on only 1 of 16 three-pointers attempted. Consequently, the Pirates could not get their offense into a rhythm.
“We got good looks and played at our pace, the shots just would not fall,” said Pirate head coach, Matt Warren, after the game. “Credit to Darby, their defense was high intensity and they forced a handful of turnovers and sped us up at times as well.”
The Tigers forced 17 steals in the game and kept the pressure on the Pirates.
Despite the loss and a tough one at that, the Pirates are hopeful.
“We executed our game plan, specifically our defensive game plan, extremely well and for the entire 32 minutes,” said coach Warren. “We competed hard and played our brand of basketball. Tough, physical, attention to detail.” Though he lamented, “The only struggle was finishing our offensive possessions.”