Despite coming back from a double-digit deficit in the second half, the McDermitt High School boys basketball team suffered its first loss in the Eastern 1A this past Tuesday on its home floor.
Eureka built a 12-point lead at halftime but had to hold on for a 70-68 win in overtime to tie the Bulldogs at 7-1 in league play. The two squads still have to play on Friday, Feb. 10, when they close out the regular season in Eureka.
The Vandals jumped out to a 19-13 advantage in the first half, and grew the gap to double figures by halftime at 35-23.
After netting just 23 points in the first 16 minutes of play, McDermitt came out on fire in the second half with a 23-10 run in the third to go back in front 46-45. The back-and-forth battle continued through the fourth quarter, where the Vandals were able to send the contest into overtime.
Eureka was able to hold off McDermitt in the extra four minutes of play to escape with the crucial road win.
Eureka had no answer for Cauy Crutcher on the night. The junior finished with 30 points (three 3-pointers) to go with six assists and two steals.
In his final game on the McDermitt home floor, Troy McKee posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. The senior also had three assists. Fellow senior Edgar Reyes had 12 points, five steals and three assists.
Diego Navarro netted five points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Duane Horse grabbed five rebounds.
McDermitt took on Carlin on Friday and results were not available at press time. The road trip for the Bulldogs concludes today (Saturday) in Owyhee.
McDermitt travels to Elko on Tuesday to play Independence at 4:30 p.m.
