Cloverdale drops third straight contest

Saturday, December 15, 2007

MONROVIA -- Cloverdale fought an uphill battle all night against a taller, more physical Monrovia club Friday, trailing by double-digits for most of the contest, and eventually succombing to their WCC foe, 70-56.

The Clovers jumped out to an early 6-2 lead, but that was the only advantage they would see for the remain der of the balgame. The Bulldogs dominated the offensive glass, converting on numerous putbacks. That coupled with numerous Cloverdale turnovers pretty much spelled the outcome.

Cloverdale trailed at the half, 33-23, and Monrovia opened the third period on a twelve-point run that the Clovers would be unable to overcome.

Craig Blair led Cloverdale with a game-high 26 points, but many of Blair's points were scored off the dribble, as the Clovers found it difficult to establish much offensive continuity. Brandon Moon added 16, including four thre-pointers.

It was the inside-outside punch of the Bulldog's senior floor leader Eric Sampson and 6'9" post player Eli Hadley that caused much of Cloverdale's difficulty defensively. Monrovia's transition game seemed to be a step ahead of the Clovers, and the Bulldogs took advantage often. Sampson finished with 15 points, while Hadley contributed 14.

The loss drops Cloverdale to 2-4 (1-3 WCC) on the 2007-8 campaign. They will play in the championship game of the Putnam County Classic on December 21.

At Monrovia

Cloverdale 15 8 10 23 -- 56

Monrovia 23 10 14 23?-- 70

Cloverdale -- Blair 27, Moon 14, Salter 6, Young 5, R. Dean 4. Totals: FG?22 TP?56.

Monrovia -- Sampson 17, Hadley 14, Speck 13, Connor 12, Smith 11, Johnson 3. Totals: FG?30 TP 70.

Next game -- Cloverdale will play in the championship game of the Putnam County Classic on Dec. 21.

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