Falcon Kilgour and Nitro Anderson both nail career highs in Tuesday’s contest.

By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

Glendale had a moment in the sun as the point leader in the first few minutes of the varsity basketball game against CV on Tuesday night. Three-and-a-half minutes into it, they were eight to CV’s six. But unfortunately for the Nitros (6-6-0 league) their dominant position was soon overshadowed by the Falcons who ended the contest 76-70 locking second place going into Pacific league playoffs 11-2-0.

To Glendale’s credit, the Nitros made use of the Falcons’ early passive attitude to rack up the eight. Dylan Kilgour – who ended the night was a high count of 28 points – prompted some action from his teammates. He captured the majority of those first six points, then was fouled, grabbing both his free throws to tie it up. To cap it, he sunk a three at the buzzer ending the first quarter.

Going into the second quarter the Falcons held a tenuous grasp on its lead 17-14 with six minutes on the clock. Kilgour swept in, nailing a three bringing it to 20-14. A charging call on Cole Currie as he attempted a shot didn’t help CV’s position, serving to boost Glendale’s confidence. But too many turnovers thwarted the Nitros attempt to recapture the lead.

The beginning of the second half CV was up 32-24 but the Nitros were far from calling it a night. Glendale seemed unfazed by CV’s height advantage and hard pressure defense.

The Nitros came onto the boards with solid ball movement and a quickness on their feet that demanded CV’s attention. Nitro Linden Anderson was particularly strong, shooting smooth and ending the night with a career high of 21 points by the time the final buzzer sounded.

A pass by Nick Kelly to Christian Misi ended with a slam dunk, an ally-oop that brought the hometown crowd to its feet and ticking another two onto CV 61-48.

Glendale, realizing that they had to slow down CV’s offense, switched to a full court defense with a double team on the in bounds pass. Frustrating both Kilgour and Currie, the defense resulted in turnovers that quickly put Glendale back into the game with a score of 66-61.

In the final minute it was a battle of the double bonus. Anderson fouled out costing Glendale one of its strongest shooters. At 71-65 Kilgour caught a foul, then made his two. The Nitros nailed a three-pointer after two and CV finished it with one more for a final of 76-70.

Perhaps it was overconfidence or the memory of their last meeting when CV walked away with a 13-point win that caused the Falcons to come slow onto the court.

“I don’t that we came out overconfident,” said Coach Shawn Zargarian. “I think we came out a little flat and complacent against Glendale. We did a good job of building up a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, but I think we looked at the score and thought the game was over and it wasn’t. Basketball is a 32-minute game and we let down that last few minutes of the game and Glendale battled. Give Glendale credit for playing hard and competing.”

CV out-rebounded and out-sized Glendale, and had excellent perimeter shooting which helped in keeping Glendale at bay. However, when the Nitros switched to a full court press, CV was a little slow in its response.

“I thought we did a decent job against the pressure. We did have some turnovers, but the bigger problem down the stretch was our free throw shooting (CV missed nine in the second half) and lack of defense,” said Zargarian. “Giving up 32 points in a quarter is not going to cut it.”

The next game is tonight, Thursday when CV meets Arcadia (6-7-0 league) at home.

Arcadia will be looking for redemption after losing to the Falcons 56-61 on Jan. 21 and Zargarian plans for his boys to meet the Apaches head on.

“The score from the first time around doesn’t matter, overall records don’t matter, league record doesn’t matter – this game is always a battle and that’s what I expect,” the coach said. “I expect our players to come out with energy and maximum effort.”

Thursday night is Senior Recognition Night for the Falcons as well.

“Senior night is a special night for our seniors. It allows us to honor them before the game for all their hard work
and commitment to this program,” said Zargarian. “It will be nice to see them walk out with their parents. They should be proud.”

  CV Basketball, playoffs