Bulldog boys come up short against Bears

SANDPOINT — Three Bulldogs scored in double figures, but a quick three minute run by Moscow in the fourth quarter broke open a close game, and the Bears held off a late challenge to score a 61-57 Inland Empire League win over Sandpoint Friday night before a large crowd at Les Rogers Court.

Stefan Buratto scored 17 and Tanner French added 15 to lead the Bulldogs (5-9, 0-6 IEL), who played Moscow even until a quick 10 point swing by the Bears (6-8, 2-4 IEL) midway through the fourth quarter proved too much to overcome.

“When Moscow gets a six or seven point lead it’s like 14 points,” said Sandpoint head coach Tyler Haynes, alluding to Moscow’s deliberate, patient style of play. “When you play them a game in the 50’s it’s a chess match. That’s there comfort zone.”

Spencer Swerin posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards, and Brandon Lawrence scored four points and grabbed seven rebounds as Sandpoint was able to hold it’s own in the paint.

“Those two guys worked their buts off,” said Haynes of his bigs. “It’s a disappointing league loss, to go down two games to Moscow, but there were a lot of things I was pleased with. Tanner (French) got two fouls and Jonas Cafferty came in and did a great job running the point.”

Mac Stannard scored 18 to lead Moscow, and had a big hand in the fourth quarter run that swung the game.

Sandpoint is at Coeur d’Alene on Tuesday.

Moscow    14    14    14    14 — 61

Sandpoint 14    12    13    18 — 57

MOSCOW — Stannard 18, Clyde 14, Fritz 6, Deringer 9, Weaver 6, Iverson 0, Humble 0, Helbling 8.

SANDPOINT — Hubbard 0, Olin 3, French 15, Lawrence 4, Cafferty 0, Siegel 2, Swerin 14, Shultz 2, Buratto 17.