Indian Boys Escape Knoxville in O.T. 63-59
Jarad Kruse came up big for the Indians when they needed him most. Kruse led Osky with 19 points most of which came in the 4th quarter and overtime.
by Doug DeKock
One of the hardest things to do in sports is play immediately after a hard fought emotional win. That is what Oskaloosa had to overcome after a stunning overtime win Friday night at P.C. On Saturday afternoon 2-0 Knoxville came to town looking to knock the Indians down a notch. Knoxville came out with a patient attack and good game plan against the Indians. Oskaloosa was a step slow on the defense as the Panthers spread the bigger Indians out and then tried to beat them off the dribble. They also played a 2-3 zone defense which is something new for them from past years. The Indians looked lethargic from Friday night and might not be able to get over the hump.
The Indians led 15-13 after the 1st quarter, Oskaloosa was in early foul trouble and had to sit 2 starters in the 1st quarter. Tanner DeKock scored seven points in the quarter but he, too would fall victim to foul trouble.
Knoxville was able to contain Oskaloosa’s sluggish offense as both teams had to sit numerous players due to foul trouble. The Panthers went in at halftime up 24-23.
In the 3rd quarter Knoxville was able to open up a 6 point lead. The Indians were able to knock 4 points off the lead right before the end of the quarter to trail 36-34 after 3.
Oskaloosa opened the 4th quarter on a 3 pointer from Spencer Tucker to take a 37-36 lead. The game was tied at 41-41 after a Jack Moore layup with 5:00 minutes to go. Knoxville would lead again 47-46 with 2 minutes remaining. Knoxville would go to the line for a one and one with 16 seconds left leading 50-49, Knoxville made the first free throw but missed the 2nd for a 51-49 lead. Oskaloosa would bring the ball down court and find Kruse under the basket where he was fouled for 2 free throw shots with 8 seconds left. Kruse would calmly knock down both tosses to tie the game at 51 and send it to overtime.
Knoxville would build the lead to 4 with 3 minutes left but Kruse answered with a 3 point play to make it 55-54 Knoxville. The game was then tied at 58 until Spencer Tucker drained a deep 3-pointer from the corner for a 61-58 lead with 7 seconds left. Knoxville would make 1 free throw before Jack Moore closed it out with 2 free throws for a 63-59 win.
Jarad Kruse came up big for the Indians when they needed him most. Kruse led Osky with 19 points most of which came in the 4th quarter and overtime. Kruse also had 7 rebounds, Jack Moore had 11 points and 4 rebounds, Tanner DeKock and Spencer Tucker 9 points each. Cole Henry had 8 points and 8 rebounds while Tucker Nunnikhoven had his best game of the year with 6 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist. Oskaloosa improves to 3-0 while Knoxville drops to 2-1. Oskaloosa travels to Centerville Tuesday night for a 7:45 pm contest.
