Poplar Boys Come Up Short To Malta In Overtime

Poplar’s boys’ basketball squad lost a tough 7974 home game in overtime against Malta on Saturday, Jan. 25.

A three-pointer by Blake Lambert ended the third quarter with the Indians ahead by a 60-49 margin.

The Indians held a 64-56 lead with under five minutes to left, but Malta scored eight of the contest’s next nine points. A drive by Bohdi Brenden pulled the Mustangs to 65-64 with 1:50 remaining.

Poplar struck back on a pair of free throws by Kaniel Ricker, but a three-pointer by Brenden and a drive by Treyton Wilke put Malta up 69-67 with 1:10 left.

The Mustangs led by three points until Ricker fired in a three-pointer for a 71-71 deadlock with 17 seconds left. Malta missed its final shot attempt in regulation.

A free throw by Ricker and an inside shot by Keilen Erickson put the Indians ahead, 74-73, during overtime.

Malta, however, tallied the game’s final six points for the District 2B victory.

Top scorers for the Mustangs were Wilke with 30, Brenden with 17 and Stockton Oxarart with 13 points.

Five points by Chasen Pribbernow late in the half helped the Indians grab a 3429 half-time advantage. The Indians then struck for the first seven points of the third quarter for a 41-29 margin.

The Indians will travel to Froid/Lake on Thursday, Jan. 30, and host Harlem on Saturday, Feb. 2.