Final Score: Barlow 61 Nelson 32
Bigger blowout than the final would suggest. Nelson never had a foothold strong enough to make a push, and Barlow–somehow–felt like they left points on the floor.
Nelson had some success moving the ball and penetrating, but after one reversal or kick out turnovers became a regular occurrence. The Hawks could move the Barlow defense, but not sustain any long term progression towards the hoop. Ultimately the Barlow pressure, even if not felt immediately, undid Nelson’s offense.
Barlow can really move the ball, and tonight was a perfect example of it. Wide, wide open shots from the perimeter were a regular occurrence throughout the game as a product of superb penetration and movement against the Nelson defense. The Bruins dominated the offensive boards, especially early, which salvaged a lot of missed shots. The only reason Barlow felt like there was an extra gear that wasn’t reached, like there were points left on the floor, was because of those initial misses that didn’t then get turned into second chance points. Wide, wide open shots from all over the floor rimming or bouncing out is the reason this game wasn’t put away sooner. Kennedie Shuler and Annie Koening played a large part in both the defensive pressure that forced Nelson turnovers, as well as taking advantage of those wide open shots the Bruin offense produced.
