Boys swept on season series by Scobey, lose to Spartans 39-34

A long layoff and a flat demeanor cost the Glasgow boys' basketball team its game against Scobey on Saturday, giving the Spartans the season sweep over the Scotties.
The Scotties offense started off sputtering, as both defenses ratcheted up the pressure. Glasgow held the lead after the first quarter 11-8, but were only able to muster two points in the entire second quarter. Luckily, Scobey was also struggling, only scoring four points in the second as the Scotties held a narrow lead at the half 13-12.
While Glasgow continued to struggle in the third, Scobey did not. The Spartans got loose for 17 points in the quarter and continued to stifle the Scotties on defense taking a 29-23 lead into the final quarter.
In the fourth the Scotties shook off some of the rust and looked like the team that won four straight games heading into Saturday. After falling behind 35-27, the Scotties went on a 7-0 run to bring the game to within one point.
Yet despite the cheers from the Glasgow crowd, Scobey's Drew Baldry took over, scoring the the final four points of the game, sealing the game for the Spartans, 39-34.
“It's like the first game of the season all over again,” head coach Norm Braaten said. The Scotties lost to Scobey 38-33 to start the season. “That's exactly how we played up there in December and it carried over.”
The break didn't help the team as Glasgow struggled with turnovers throughout the game. The Scotties had 19 giveaways while only shooting 29 percent for the game. It didn't help that the Scotties were 0-for-10 from behind the arc and only shot 38 percent at the free throw line.
“We're a better team than that,” Braaten said. “Defensively we were fine, but it comes down to if you can't score you're not going to win.”
The Scotties need to get their offense going this week as they begin the bulk of the conference schedule. With games on the road against Wolf Point and Plentywood the Scotties will be tested and can't afford to be flat or lethargic. Wolf Point has three lightning-quick guards that have the potential to burn a defense that has been weak covering guards all season.
“That's been our downfall,” Braaten said. “We've got to get some kids moving their feet defensively.”
The coaches will be stressing defense this week as the team prepares for this weekend's games.
“We're working a lot of little things,” Braaten said. “We've got to get in their heads that we have to do the little things (in practice) and it carries over into the game. I've got a lot of young in experienced kids and they don't always believe me.”