Indians Fall To Malta At Tourney

After a tight first half, Poplar’s boys’ basketball squad lost against Malta, 72-52, during the semi-final round of the District 2B tournament in Glasgow on Friday, Feb. 18.

The Indians enjoyed a solid start as a drive by Allen Russell, three free throws by Delray Lilley and a basket by Dennis Red Eagle produced a 10-5 lead during the first quarter.

After Malta gained a 16-10 advantage, Geordy Medicine Cloud connected on a three-pointer to close the margin to 16-13 at the end of the period.

Five straight points, including a three-pointer, by Joe Bear put Poplar ahead 18-16 to begin the second quarter.

Malta’s Rex Williamson accounted for five points later in the quarter for a 24-20 lead, but Bear responded with a steal and layup.

With Malta ahead 29-22 late in the half, the Indians battled back to 29-26 on a basket by Red Eagle off a pass from Lilley and a hoop by Bear on an assist from Red Eagle.

Poplar tied the game at 33-33 when Medicine Cloud fired in a three-pointer with 4:55 remaining in the third quarter.

Malta then struck for the next 15 points including four by 6-7 senior Connor Tuss. The Mustangs led 48-35 at the end of the quarter.

The Indians kept fighting back with three-pointers by Bear and Russell early in the fourth quarter, but Malta pulled away for the 72-52 victory.

Leading Poplar was Bear with 17 points. Also reaching double figures were Russell with 11, Medicine Cloud with 11 and Red Eagle with 10 points.

Malta’s top scorers were Williamson with 32 and Tuss with 18 points.