Gagnon goes off in Bulldog loss

LEWISTON — Sandpoint junior Jeremiah Gagnon erupted for a season-high 28 points, but the Bengals were able to hit the game-winning free throw with less than a second on the clock to defeat the Bulldogs 58-57 in nonleague boys basketball Monday night in Lewiston.

Thomas Edwards was a perfect 4-4 from beyond the arc for his 12 points, and the Bulldogs (2-13) bounced back with some solid play after a couple of blowout losses in league play.

“I though we came out and shot really well and played to win,” said Bulldogs head coach Tyler Haynes. “I’m really proud of them.”

Chase Rodriguez had eight rebounds, and helped the Bulldogs hold their own in the paint against a taller Lewiston team. With the game tied late at 57-57, the Bulldogs had the ball with a chance to win, before a turnover forced them to foul Lewiston on a breakaway attempt with .2 seconds on the clock, and the Bengals (3-12) hit one of two free throws for the win.

“Chase did a great job against their bigs, keeping us alive on the boards,” said Haynes, lauding the one-two punch of Edwards and Gagnon in defeat. “Jeremiah played really well offensively, and Thomas gave him a lot of lanes to work with.”

Sandpoint has nine days off before hosting Post Falls on Jan. 31.

Sandpoint  14   15   15   13 — 57

Lewiston   18   11   16   13 — 58

SANDPOINT — Jurenka 0, Rodriguez 5, Couch 3, Schwartz 2, Nelson 4, Burgstahler 1, Gagnon 28, Edwards 12, Alsager 0, Lutz 2.

LEWISTON — Rayner 4, Hitzeman 12, Hewitt 21, Brooks 13, Boser 8.