Coming off an emotional win over crosstown rival Hopkinsville on Friday, the Christian County Colonels had trouble replicating the same results, falling to Ohio County 63-42 on Monday at the Owensboro Sportscenter.
Ohio County’s size and zone defense ability kept the Colonels off balance for most of the game. Christian County was also playing without starting guard Jordan Miles who will miss some time with a sprained ankle.
The Eagles (4-3) hit five 3-pointers in the first half and five more in the second half. Even more deflating was Ohio County’s buzzer-beating threes at the end of the second and third quarters.
Carson Kennedy’s 3-pointer capped an 8-0 run to end the first half and give Ohio County a 23-17 lead at the break.
The Eagles hit four more 3-pointers in the third quarter and outscored the Colonels 20-10.
Ohio County employed a box-and-1 defense focusing on Christian County’s leading scorer Darrell Bateman. The senior guard stepped out and knocked down a couple of threes but Ohio County limited the Colonels’ transition game by making shots.
Bateman finished with 11 points and six rebounds.
The Colonels were led by JaSean Riley’s 15 points. He added five rebounds and five steals.
Ohio County got 21 points from 6-5 forward Elijah Decker. Kennedy added 14 points.
Christian County committed just six turnovers and forced the Eagles into 17 turnovers. But Christian County shot just six of 18 from 3-point range and was outrebounded 33-19.
Monday’s game was the first between the schools in 10 years. Ohio won the 2013 matchup 82-67.
Christian County dropped to 3-4. They will play three games at the FNB Holiday Classic, starting on Wednesday against Douglass, Georgia.
The Colonels will return to the Sportscenter on Dec. 29 to play Owensboro Catholic.
Christian County 10 7 10 15— 42
Ohio County 9 14 22 18– 63
Christian County (3-4) – Riley 15, Bateman 11, Northington 9, Bigbee 4, Rowe 3
Ohio County (4-3) – Decker 21, Kennedy 14, Young 13, Manning 7, Ward 4, Cotton 2, Morse 2
