John Burson
The Eunice High Bobcats dropped a 46-44 decision to the Port Barre High Red Devils in District 3-5A play Friday evening at the Bobcat gym.
Coach Chad Andrepont’s Bobcats opened the game with a 15-11 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Red Devils used a 16-12 offensive spark in the second quarter to force a 27-27 tie at halftime. .
The Red Devils took the lead in the third quarter with a quick surge, outscoring the Bobcats by a 13-7 margin to hold a 40-34 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The Bobcats rallied to cut into the Port Barre lead in the fourth quarter and actually took the lead in the final three minutes at 44-43.
With the lead, the Bobcats held the ball, passing the ball and keeping out of the hands of the Devils. But the Devils forced a turnover and hit a three-point field goal to regain the lead at 46-44.
The Cats got the ball back with seconds left on the clock, but an off-blance shot by Malik Poullard didn’t fall and the Bobcats lost by a 46-44 margin.
Three Bobcats finished the game in double figures. Jude Cormier, Deshawn Vigers, and Brandon Ndubueze all contributed 10 points apiece for the game. Poullard added eight points for the Cats.
Christian Andrus led the scoring for Port Barre with 19 points.
The Bobcats may still have a shot at entering the state playoffs, with one district game still to be played. The Bobcats will travel to Pine Prairie on Tuesday.