The game started slow for both teams, as the Rams led 10-9 after the first quarter. The Tigers found some success offensively in the second quarter against the Rams press defense and converted some turnovers into easy baskets.  The Tiger’s defense created 16 first-half turnovers and went into the half with a 24-23 lead.

In a back-and-forth third quarter, the Rams took the game’s largest lead at 39-34 late in the third.  After a timeout, the Tigers went on a 6-2 run to end the quarter trailing 41-40.

In the fourth quarter, the Rams went on an early 10-2 run, and the Tigers were chasing the rest of the way.  Turnovers (33) for the game really hurt the Tigers in the second half.  “Turkeyfoot’s court is very challenging, and we had some uncharacteristic turnovers that enabled them to increase their lead in the fourth quarter.   But credit to their players, they know their court, they play hard and make every possession difficult”, Coffman said.

The Tigers cut the lead to 55-50 with 1 minute to play.   After a timeout, the Tigers got a crucial steal, but a turnover gave the ball right back to the Rams.  The Tigers began fouling to extend the game, but the Rams closed the game out at the foul line to clinch the 60-50 victory.  “This was a very tough loss.  We left everything we had on the court last night, but they just executed better than we did in the second half”, Coffman said.

Evan Wingert and Landon Arnold led the Tigers offensively with 17 and 16 points.  Riley Martin pulled down 11 rebounds.  Drew Goshorn had 5 steals.  Broc Hostler had 4 assists.  For the Rams Bryce Nicholson had a game high 20 points and Zack Ryan added 16 points.

The Rams held the advantage in rebounds 32-29.    The Tigers had 33 turnovers, while the Rams had 20 turnovers.  The Tigers only shot 27% from the floor.

Fannett-Metal will play Southern Fulton at 5:00 on Friday evening at UPJ.  The winner will advance to the PIAA playoffs next week.