John Burson
With the football team heading to the state semifinals, the Bobcats are short-handed on the basketball court.
But Eunice (1-3) managed to keep with in striking distance most of the game Tuesday night against Ville Platte (4-1) before the Bulldogs grabbed a 81-71 win.
Ville Platte started strong in the first quarter finishing with a 23-14 lead over the Bobcats behind the play of Tyler James and Jahmel Byers.
The Bobcats got their scoring from Divine Hampton, Kobe Doucet and Mykal Moore.
Eunice opened the second quarter with a bucket by Cornelius Lewis and a driving lay-in by Moore to cut the Bulldog lead to 25-18.
Ville Platte finished the second period strong to grab a 46-26 advantage at intermission.
Eunice began the third period with a bucket from Hampton and three-pointer by Doucet before the Bulldogs responded with a strong run to build a 67-42 lead heading in the final period.
The Bobcats began to build some momentum at the start of the fourth quarter as Hampton led the way with a tip-in goal and a deep three-pointer.
Lewis added a bucket with a strong rebound under the goal, while Doucet hit two treys to close the gap to 70-58.
The Cats continued to cut into Ville Platte’s lead with goals from Moore and Lewis and a trey from Doucet.
Fred Guillory hit a lay-up in the closing seconds to close the Bulldogs’ lead to 81-71.
Doucet led Eunice with 17 points, while Hampton chipped in 13 points.
Guillory added 11 points and Moore finished with 10 points.
Eunice will take on Jennings (1-1) next Tuesday as non-district action continutes.
Ville Platte travels to Northwest (0-1) Tuesday.
The St. Landry Parish basketball tournament will held Dec. 13-15 at Opelousas High.