Bucks drop buzzer beater at NoPo, 60-58

By Bees O’Brien

Ulysses- For the third straight game, Bucktail would drop a potential win to a team that the Bucks should have defeated. This loss came to a Northern Potter squad that had been struggling as of late themselves. Despite having four players in double digits in scoring, Bucktail allowed a NoPo inside basket as time expired and fell 60-58 to the host Panthers.

Northern Potter entered the Friday afternoon contest with the Bucks on a three-game skid that seen the Panthers dominated in games against Coudersport and Port Allegany before losing a close contest at home against Cowanesque Valley.

The Bucks were on a three-game skid of their own with close losses to St. John Neumann and South Williamsport and a lopsided loss at Muncy.

The Bucks offense sputtered out of the gates, being outscored 12-8 through one quarter of play.

Bucktail finally found an offensive groove in the second quarter by managing to net 20 points to the Panthers 21 points. Northern Potter held a 33-28 lead at the break.

The Bucks appeared to take control in the third quarter following a 19-13 advantage and now held a slim 47-46 lead entering the game’s final quarter.

Northern Potter closed the game with a 14-11 fourth quarter to escape with the victory.

The Bucks had plenty of chances to put this game away. Turnovers late in the game and a dismal 13 of 28 from the free throw line ended up costing Bucktail their fifth loss heading towards the New Year.

Ethan Charcalla paced the Bucks with a career-high 17 points, 15 of which came in the second half as the Buck senior drilled five from beyond the arc. Brody Pentz finished with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Gary Whipp also scored 11 and Gavin Pick added 10 points.

Now 2-5, the Bucks will next be in action on January 4 when they host a red hot Montgomery (5-2) in Mid Penn Conference play. Northern Potter upped their record to 4-4 on the season.