By Cort Reynolds
McGUFFEY - Visiting Ada lost a 58-52 non-league battle at traditional rival Upper Scioto Valley Saturday night in a non-league boys basketball contest.
USV led 17-10 after one period of play, and held a 28-20 edge at halftime. Ada pulled within 44-39 heading to the fourth period but could not completely close the gap.
Ada dropped to 5-8 overall with the tough loss. USV improved to 8-6 with their second close win over the Bulldogs in a 15-day span, both at McGuffey.
"We dug a hole again that we fought all game to recover from," said Ada head coach Dre White. "I love this team's will to continue to fight as they continue to bring effort and energy every night.
"We played extremely hard and unfortunately just had a few untimely mistakes in crunch time that proved costly.
"Phil got it going tonight. There should be something said for that kid and how he has stuck with it and continued to battle for his teammates despite his offensive struggles.
"Brandon again led us in scoring, along with rebounding and assists," added White.
Senior wing Phil Coulson scored 20 points on the strength of five trifectas. Brandon Hull netted 23 points to give him 53 in two road games over the weekend.
The Rams were led by Quinn Sanders with 22 points, and Connor Sanders, who tallied 15.
The Bulldogs connected on 17 of 50 shots overall from the field (34 percent). Ada made nine of 27 from beyond the arc (33 percent) and eight of 23 on two-pointers (35 percent).
USV connected on 21 of 48 from the floor overall (44 percent). The Rams sank 17 of their 34 two-point tries (50 percent) and hit on four of 14 triple tries (29 percent).
Ada converted nine of 14 from the foul line (64 percent).
USV sank 12 of 20 charity stripers (60 percent).
The Bulldogs out-rebounded the Rams, 26-20. Hull again led Ada with nine boards.
USV committed 10 turnovers while Ada was guilty of 14 errors.
Ada 52 (5-8)
Swaney 1-0-3, Hull 7-6-23, Colson 7-1-20, Cook 1-1-3, Rayl 1-0-2, Miller 0-1-1.
Totals: 17-50/9-14/52. 3-pointers (9-27): Coulson 5, Hull 3, Swaney 1.
USV 58 (8-6)
Rohrs 3-2-9, Thompson 3-0-8, C. Sanders 5-4-15, Hurley 1-2-4, Q. Sanders 9-4-22.
Totals: 21-48/12-20/58. 3-pointers (4-14): Thompson 2, C. Sanders 1, Rohrs 1.
1 2 3 4 F
Ada 10 10 19 13 52
USV 17 11 16 14 58
JV: Ada 44, DJ 36.
Ada hosts county rival Hardin Northern Saturday, January 18. The Bulldogs are 3-2 at home this season.
The Polar Bears evened their record at 6-6 following a 73-19 blowout of Monclova Christian on Saturday night. HN is 1-4 on the road this campaign, and 5-2 at home.
"Looking ahead, we have Hardin Northern next. It will be good to be back home after two road games this weekend. As long as we continue to make energy and effort our constants, we will put ourself in a great position to be in every game," White added.
USV hosts NWCC foe Temple Christian Friday, January 17. TC is 0-11 this season.
