Lady Cougars lose on the road

SPENCER -- The lady Cougars of North Putnam traveled to take on the Patriots of Owen Valley Friday in the first game of a double-header, losing by a score of 45-40.

The two foes were practically even on paper, with each hitting nearly 50 percent outside the paint while knocking down at least 10 from the free throw line.

The Cougars (2-8, 0-2 Western Indiana Conference) matched or led the Patriots (3-3, 2-1 WIC) in a number of categories, but the most devastating factor may have been Owen Valley's five makes from beyond the arc. The Patriots also hit exactly half of their overall shot attempts while the Cougars hit only 38 percent.

Although North Putnam gained and edge by committing fewer fouls while recording 28 rebounds, they also turned over the ball a total of 21 times, 12 more than their opponents.

North Putnam managed to outscore Owen Valley in the second half by six, but it wasn't enough to overcome a first-half deficit of 11 as the Patriots went on to win by five points.

The lady Cougars return to action this Friday when they host the lady Clovers of Cloverdale (2-6, 0-3 WIC).

No further details were available but the North Putnam (0-2, 0-1 WIC) boys also fell to the Patriots by a score of 43-31.