Outside The County-Peru
Results from Peru for Saturday, March 16th
Tigers season ends at Semi-State with loss to South Bend Saint Joseph 88-80
The Tigers traveled back to Logansport this morning for a Semi-State Semifinal match-up with South Bend St. Joseph. This was the Tigers’ first trip to the Semi-State since going to Worthen Arena at Ball State University in 1998. Just like last week in the Regional game, the community of Peru turned out to support and cheer on our boys.
Peru won the opening tip but struggled to make shots and control the basketball, committing 7 turnovers in the quarter. St. Joe started the game on a 7-0 run. Peru cut the deficit to 4 before a late turnover and bucket by St. Joe at the end of the quarter.
The Tigers took better care of the ball in the second quarter but still struggled to make shots, outside of Senior Alex Ross who made 5 layups and added an and one free throw. With his 6 for 6 from the foul line in the first quarter, Ross had 17 points at the break. St. Joe found the bottom of the net 3 times from distance to pace them and push the lead to 13.
The third quarter saw the Tigers do what they have done all season, ratchet up the defensive pressure. Peru also found some rhythm on the offensive end as well. Ross chipped in another 9 points in the quarter. Peru crashed the boards to limit South Bend’s chances. Senior Matthew Roettger and Junior Gavin Eldridge also tickled the twine for a couple of 3s of their own.
The final stanza saw both teams torch the nets for a combined 59 points. The Tigers showed the same heart and never-quit attitude that they have all year and cut the deficit to one possession several times, with Senior Ian Potts drilling 3-3s and Eldridge adding another, but St. Joe would answer with a 3 to push the lead back up. St. Joe converted 12 of 18 free throws in the quarter to secure the win and advance to the championship game at 8 pm.
The loss drops the Tigers record to 16-11(5-4 TRC) to close out the season.
We want to thank every one of the community members who supported the boys along the way. The parents, Bengal Backers, businesses, and all others who provided snacks, meals, championship t-shirts, and money for the aforementioned items, love, and your loud cheering voices which helped energize and pick up the boys.
Scoring –
Alex Ross – 31
Matthew Roettger – 18
Xavier Turner – 10
Ian Potts – 9
Gavin Eldridge – 8
Reis Bellar – 4
By Adam Butt on Mar 16, 2024
