Bucs lose in a nail biter
Down to the wire.
The Blue Earth Area Buccaneers boys basketball team opened their 2015-16 basketball season with an exciting game, as they traveled to New Ulm to take on the Eagles on Friday night, Nov. 20.
Unfortunately, the Buccaneers could not quite pull out a win in what turned out to be a thrilling game. BEA ended up losing to New Ulm 67-62.
The Buccaneers built up a lead in the first half of the game, and led the Eagles by as many as 15 points. BEA held a 10-point advantage, 33-23, at the half time buzzer.
But the Eagles, who had started a comeback late in the first half, started the second half with a 15-1 scoring run.
It was New Ulm who then enjoyed a 10-point lead in the second half, with four minutes left in the game.
This time it was the Bucs who were playing catch up and they did.
With the score at 60-52 in favor of the Eagles, BEA’s Brandon Olson sank a two-pointer to make it 60-54.
Then Bailey Olson took over and in the next few minutes made a couple of two-point field goals and a couple of free-throws and with just over 30 seconds left in the game, BEA had tied it up at 62-62.
Unfortunately, that would be the last points the maroon and gold could get.
With just three seconds left in the game, and the score at 65-62, Bailey Olson launched a three-point shot that would have tied the game again, but he was unable to knock it down.
The Eagles finished off the last few seconds making two more free throws as the Bucs were forced to foul to get the ball back.
Bailey Olson led the Buccaneers with 23 points and eight rebounds. Brandon Olson was right behind with 18 points.
Blake Barnett added nine points and Tyler Hannaman hit for eight points. He also had seven assists.
As a team the Buccaneers were 23 of 60 from the field, hitting 38 percent of their shot attempts. They also were 41 percent from the free-throw line, making 12 of 29 attempts. Bailey Olson accounted for 11 of the 12.
New Ulm shot 35 percent from the floor, making 20 of 57 shot attempts. However, they were at 62 percent from the charity stripe, making 21 of 34.
The Eagles were led by Spencer Landsteiner with 23 points and Connor Foley who scored 21.
Next up for the Buccaneers is a game on Tuesday night when they host the St. James Saints. On Thursday they be home for a game against the United South Central Rebels.
Saturday the Buccaneers travel to Luverne to take on the Cardinals.