Offensive Struggles Plague Royals vs. NDSCS

On Wednesday, February 10th, the Royals Basketball Teams squared off against the Wildcats of NDSCS.

First up the was the women's game and it was a rockfight. Both teams struggled to score right away, with it only being 3-2 after the first 5 minutes of play. Things didn't get much easier after that for either team, the score was 22-16 at the half. Despite only scoring five points in the 2nd and eight points in the 3rd, the Royals were still in the game. It took a 24 points 4th quarter from the Wildcats to seal their 58-39 victory over LRSC.

Marta Lopez had 14pts 4rebs 2ast 2stls and 1blk, Maya Barendt had 12pts 3rebs 3asts 2stls.

Head Coach Danny Mertens said after the game, "We played a better defensive game all around tonight. I was really happy to see that after giving up a lot of points in our last few games. We really took pride on that end. Offensively, we just couldn't get going or find a rhythm. We'll continue to work and get better, we are right there."

On the men's side of things, the game was a slugfest between the two teams. A competitive, high intensity matchup that saw both teams hungry for the win. Despite trailing 36-28 at the break, the Royals trailed 58-52 midway through the second half. They would turn up the defensive intensity and hold NDSCS scoreless for seven minutes. However, LRSC couldn't get their offense to click over that stretch struggling to score and could never take the lead. The final 72-62 NDSCS over LRSC.

Brody Kriesel would score 14pts and have 10rebs. Trace evans 15pts 5ast and 8rebs.

Head Coach Jared Marshall said after the game, "What a game we played. I'm disappointed for our guys. They worked hard for that one and came up short. We proved we can play with anyone when we are dialed in. We just need to do a better job of not going on scoreless droughts. Our execution needs to stay at a high level throughout the game."

The Lady Royals (3-6) and the Royals (5-4) are home on Sunday February 14th, versus Dakota College at Bottineau. Game times are 1pm & 3pm.

Go Royals!