Waverly unable to close out Quakers

[Crimson Tornado]

Tigers see 9 point third quarter lead evaporate

Scott Richards
Chillicothe Gazette
Sports Writer
March 16, 2012

ATHENS — It was a somber feeling for the Waverly Tigers following Thursday’s 50-48 loss to New Philadelphia in the Division II regional semifinals.

It wasn’t time for this run to end. Not like this, not right now.

But as the team came together quickly in the locker room following the game, it was easy to see what changes may have led to a better outcome. It was harder to have to understand why it didn’t.

“The huge key for us was rebounding the basketball,” said Waverly Coach Travis Robertson. “I haven’t looked at any stats, but it felt like we got our rear-ends kicked in the paint tonight. It was probably the difference in the game.

The Quakers outrebounded the Tigers 18-8 on the offensive glass and 38-31 for the game. But the difference may have been more about the fourth quarter — usually Waverly’s strongest during its tournament run — that proved to be the demise of this year’s Tigers.

After surviving five lead changes and three ties on the way to a 16-12 first quarter deficit, the Tigers escaped to build a 25-21 advantage at the half. That lead grew to nine with just over a minute remaining in the third, but soon after, the whole thing just fell apart.

Link: Waverly unable to close out Quakers

[Crimson Tornado]

Way to go Quakers!