some threes,” Flink said. “So ….
some threes,” Flink said. “So then we kept on shooting threes instead of trying to work it in and attacking.”
Colby took 42 three point attempts, but only converted 12 of them. However, the threes came at key moments as the Dons came out firing in the second half.
Columbus built a 45-36 lead, but Colby’s Tucker Meyer came up clutch, knocking down four triples in the second frame. Jeske, Underwood and Streveler all got in on the action to help the Hornets stay within striking distance.
“I knew there was going to be some nerves,” Flink said about his team’s quiet first half. “Columbus is always one of the highest teams in our conference, so there’s a lot of pressure when you step in. That second half, they just played, and we shot the ball well.”
The Hornets found their offense in the second half, passing the ball, finding open shooters and cutters in the paint. Colby used a 7-2 run to make it 52-51 with 6:16 to play, and the Hornets out-scored their hosts 44-41 in the second half.
A Konieczny three made it 69-68, but Meyer hit a step-back 15-footer to give Colby a 70-69 lead with a minute to play. Once again, Konieczny came to the Dons rescue, hitting a three after Columbus Catholic corralled a loose ball off a miss that give the Dons a 72-70 lead.
Colby didn’t panic, and worked the ball in the half-court for the best possible shot. That came when Streveler took a pass from Voelker inside and his shot made it 72-72. Colby forced a turnover, and with seven seconds remaining, attempted to inbounds the ball for one final shot, but the Dons stole the ball, sending the game to overtime.
The Hornets took the first lead of the extra frame, but the Dons scored the last six points, using free throws to win 78-74, and hand Colby its first loss of the year.
Colby had some missed opportunities, especially at the charity stripe, but the Hornets showed everyone they’re going to be a very tough team this season.
Meyer led Colby with 15 points, and Streveler added another 13, Jeske had 12, and Voelker recorded 10 points. Healy and Underwood scored nine and eight points. Mason Schmutzler chipped in with four and Brody Decker rounded things out with three points.
Colby now has a taste of what they’re capable of, and players and coaches are both eager to get back on the floor.
“The loss hurts, but that was a good game, and that’s what we want to do,” Flink said. “We want to go out there and compete and play with the best.”
