Posted: 1/17/07
Tigers suffer first conference loss of year
 Andy Erickson goes for one of his 19 points while on the free throw against Mora in Rush City Jan. 9. The Tigers play Braham at home Friday night at 7:30. |
By Steve Morris
In the sports world, there are two kinds of streaks -- winning and loosing. The Rush City Tigers are experiencing the latter.
Last week, the Tigers suffered two losses, one of which against Great River Conference opponent Isle. It marked their first conference loss of the season.
The two game slide started with a two-point loss to the Mora Mustangs Jan. 9. The game could have gone either way, with both teams having the opportunity to seal the victory. However, it was the Huskies who delivered in the clutch and walked away with the win.
Blue and Gold started the game hot, jumping ahead 8-1. The Tigers led the entire game until Mora scored with 10 seconds left. The Tigers took the last shot, but to the disappointment of Tiger fans, it rolled out.
Rush City head coach Gary Dreissig said the key part of the game was when the Tigers had a 68-63 advantage and turned the ball over three times without getting a shot. On the game, the Tigers committed 17 turnovers, two more than the Mustangs.
Andy Erickson had an all-around game, earning a double-double. He led the Tigers in scoring with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Handicapping the Tigers against Mora was the team's shooting. They shot 34 percent from the floor, making 16 of 48 shots.
After the loss to the Mustangs, the gang gathered their thoughts and emotions and traveled to Isle.
The Tigers got the short end of the stick in a five point-loss, 65-60.
Rush City shot themselves in the foot the first half, attempting only 16 shots and committing 11 turnovers.
"In the second half we regained the lead, but to Isle's credit, they responded with a three pointer to get the lead back and keep it," Dreissig said.
Erickson led the team in scoring with 18, making six of eight shots attempted. Senior Jake Bosman added six assists.
"It certainly wasn't one of our best games, but Isle came to play and deserves a lot of credit," Dreissig said.
Rush City vs. Mora: John Kirchberg 2, Jake Bosman 15, Justin Bosman 5, Jeff Jennings 8, Andy Erickson 19, Jerred Nelson 8, Isaac Roll 11.
Rush City vs. Isle: John Kirchberg 4, Jake Bosman 10, Justin Bosman 8, Jeff Jennings 5, Andy Erickson 18, Jerred Nelson 7, Isaac Roll 6, Josh Beck 2.
GRC Boys Basketball
Braham 4-0, 9-2; Onamia 4-1, 9-2; Rush City 4-1, 5-4; Isle 3-2; 5-4; Aitkin 2-1, 4-8; Hinckley-Finlayson 1-3, 4-8; East Central 0-5, 0-9; Ogilvie 0-5, 0-11.
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