Cowboys’ Comeback Falls Short Against Circle In League Action

The Culbertson Cowboys put together an outstanding comeback in the fourth quarter but fell short in Circle, 5043, on Friday, Jan. 7.

Circle accounted for 16 of the final 20 points of the third quarter for a 39-25 advantage and increased the gap to 4325 early in the fourth period.

After a time-out by Coach Mark Pederson fired up the Cowboys, Culbertson struck for the next 10 points on a basket off a rebound by Payton Perkins, a layup by Maurice Bighorn, a baseline shot by Colin Avance, a hoop by Bridger Salvevold and a 14-footer by Perkins.

A free throw by Chance Beley gave Circle a ninepoint lead, but baskets by Salvevold and Perkins kept the Cowboys close. After a basket by Beley, Culbertson scored on a drive by Perkins. Three points by Beau Beery put the Wildcats up 50-41 with 1:18 remaining.

Top scorers for the Cowboys were M. Bighorn with 15, Perkins with 10 and Avance with 10. Also scoring were Salvevold with six and Mark Kirkaldie with two.

Beery finished with 27 points to lead the Wildcats. Also scoring were Seth Dyk with 10, Arley Idland with eight and Beley with five.

The Cowboys led by a 10-6 margin at the end of the first quarter. Consecutive three-pointers by M. Bighorn and Avance put Culbertson up by a 21-16 score during the second period.

Circle responded with a 14-footer by Beery and a three-pointer by Dyk to produce a 21-21 deadlock.

A steal and layup by Dyk with one second left in the half put the Wildcats ahead by a 23-21 margin.

Four straight points by Beery put Circle ahead by a 27-21 advantage to open the third quarter. A three-point shot by Beery and a threepoint play by Idland gave the Wildcats a 39-25 lead to end the third period.