The Trigg County Wildcats dropped their second game in as many days Friday afternoon at the 2018 Duster Thomas Hoops Classic, in Pinckneyville. The Wildcat started slow and spent the rest of the afternoon trying to dig out of an early hole in a 60-51 loss to Union County. The matchup featured the only two teams from the Bluegrass State in the tourney.
The Trigg County offense struggled to get going against the Braves. The Wildcats could only muster seven points in the first quarter, as the Braves got out to a 22-7 lead. Cold shooting was a major issue for Trigg, as the Wildcats shot only 27.3-percent, while the Braves were sizzling at 66.7-percent
The Wildcat defense led the way in the 2nd quarter as Trigg County clawed back into the game. Trigg County held the Braves to only four points in the second quarter, as the Wildcats fought back to get within three at the break at 26-23. The Braves cooled off significantly, connection on only 28.6-percent in the second.
The second half saw both teams struggle from the field, as neither team shot above 40-percent in the last sixteen minutes. The Braves were able to make enough shots to extend their lead to 38-33 heading into the final quarter.
Both teams continued to struggle to find the basket in the final quarter, however the Braves were able to make 11-13 at the free throw line to hold on for the nine point win. For the game, Trigg County connected on only 34.8-percent of its shots, while the Braves hit for 44.7-percent. Trigg County also commited 21 turnovers on the afternoon.
Gavin Grubbs had 14 points to lead Trigg County. Kyron Grubbs added 13, and Kendric Adams chipped in with 11.
Kale Gaither had a big afternoon for Union County with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Cade Duncan had 16 points.
Trigg falls to 6-7 and will go into the 13th place bracket Saturday. They will take on the Roxana Shells at 9:00am.