Wildcats Come Up Short Against Warriors, 58-45

BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – In their toughest stretch of the 2017-18 basketball schedule, Central Mountain has had a roller coaster ride this week. Hosting a pair of tough PHAC foes back-to-back is no easy task. After the Wildcats pulled out a come from behind win over Selinsgrove on Wednesday night, no such storybook ending would occur Thursday night as Montoursville prevailed over the ‘Cats, 58-45.

Central Mountain (10-6, 7-2 PHAC) didn’t let the Warriors get to far ahead in the early going, trailing Montoursville 13-11 after the first quarter, then slipped behind a little further in the second quarter with the Warriors leading 31-22 at the break.

The game saving second half comeback would not materialize this night as both teams stiffened their defenses with Montoursville edging the Wildcats 9-6 in the third quarter, to lead CM 40-28 with 8 minutes remaining.

It was neck-and-neck in the fourth quarter with Montoursville refusing to yield, edging the ‘Cats again, this time 18-17 to hold off any late rally attempt by the hosts.

It was Collin Jones leading the way for Central Mountain with 22 points and Jake Skrtich put up 11 more for the Wildcats. Matt Storeman scored 3 points while J.T. Pentz and Conner Soo each had a basket to their credit.

The illustrate the competitive nature of the game, Central Mountain finished with 35 rebounds (16 offensive / 19 defensive), one block and seven steals.

The Wildcats will have only one day of rest before they are back on the hardwood when they host Midd-West on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018.