Roughriders rally but Cards still win in RPAC

Thursday, January 26, 2017
R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette Southwest senior Alec May drives against Alma's Parker Janicek during their tight RPAC tournament quarterfinal at Curtis Wednesday evening.

CURTIS, Neb. -- Southwest's super last-minute comeback came down to a final shot Wednesday night.

The Roughriders only needed two points to tie East Division No. 1 Alma and push this RPAC quarterfinal game into overtime.

Yet pushing, driving or passing through the Cardinal defense proved to be a problem all game.

"We were really wanting to go for the two," coach Marcus Bish explained about Sothwest's final quest to extend the potential upset. "But they (Alma) took away the path to the hoop. They did that a lot, but we still got a good look at the end."

Indeed. Southwest sent the ball outside for an open game-winning three.

It looked good but -- holy no friendly bounce, Batman -- the shot rolled out as those final seconds also expired.

The mighty Alma Cardinals improved to 14-2 and earned a spot in Friday's RPAC semifinal/East Division title game at Southern Valley.

Meanwhile, the Roughriders (8-7 record) have to settle for a consolation semifinal against neighbor Cambrige on Friday in that same S.V. gym.

"We played very well. Our defense has really improved since the start of the year," Bish observed. "But we missed some layups and they (Alma) made a few more plays at the end."

The Cardinals overcame an eight-point Southwest lead. With Drew Hoffman drilling two triples, Bish's team took charge at 23-15 just before halftime.

Alma responded with 10 straight points briding intermission to lead 25-23.

The cards were seemily stacked against Southwest, but those 'Riders nearly wiped out a six-point deficit in less than a minute.

Hofman's fourth and final three prought S.W. within two points while setting up those final dramatic moments.

Southwest was coming off big road wins over both Bertrand and North Platte St. Patrick's last weekend.

"Those were two great places to win for us," Bish concluded. "And I don't think tonight will change things. We have the good leadership, especially from our seniors, and it showed again tonight."

SOUTHWEST (49) -- Drew Hofman 13 points, Conor McConville 13, Derek Greenlee 11, Alec May 8, Logan Greenlee 2, Blake Williams 2. Three-pointers: Hofman 4, May. Rebound leaders: McConville 5, Hofman 4, Williams 4. Assists: May 5. Steals: May 3.

ALMA (51) -- Jackson McKenzie's 17 points paced the Cardinals while Eric Kovarik finished with 14.

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