The Crown Point Bulldogs showed their teeth as they walked away with the 51-35 sectional “W” over the Hammond-Morton Governors in a game that was closer than the scoreboard appeared. It was ultimately decided at the free-throw line.
After winning the tip-off the Bulldogs calmly executed a quick play, hitting #30 Sam Krutz, a senior guard, in the corner for a three-pointer taking the early lead and never looking back.
“Nothing beats home-court advantage in the playoffs,” said Krutz, after the game. “There’s a great energy here with our home fans”.
Although the Bulldogs would never lose control of this game Hammond-Morton played pesky defense and was able to respond, shot for shot, going into the second quarter down only 12-8.
But that overly-aggressive approach on defense for Hammond-Morton would eventually dissolve, costing them more than 14 fouls, putting the Bulldogs in the bonus for most of the first half, meaning lots of free-throws. Crown Point ran down the remaining few seconds taking a 28-16 lead into the half.
But the second half would unfortunately be more of the same and Crown Point would eventually go on to win big.
“We have six seniors and they are going to be missed,” said Chad Poi, Hammond-Morton head coach. “We weren’t dealt the best hand this year but our guys were resilient and showed up and worked hard. And I tip my hat to them.”
Crown Point managed the game very well and are looking forward to playing in front of their home crowd again tonight, I’m sure.
Crown Point will now face-off against the Munster Mustangs for the Crown Point Sectional semi-finals, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss it!