Fourth quarter turnaround gives NL 63-59 win over Rams

MONTROSE – A disastrous fourth quarter cost Montrose’s varsity boys’ basketball team a 63-59 decision last Thursday against visiting New Lothrop in a crossover battle between the two neighboring schools.

The host Rams held a 10-point lead at the end of three quarters, but New Lothrop grabbed the victory with a 19-5 scoring edge over the course of the final eight minutes of play.

“The fourth quarter was a combination of critical turnovers and missed shots,” assessed veteran Ram mentor Rick Ustishen. “We had a lead and yet rushed too much on offense during the critical points of the game.”

Will Sams led all scorers, pouring in 25 points for the Rams to go with nine rebounds and three steals. Keith Boswell contributed a dozen points and eight boards while Trevor Adams also notched 12 markers. Nick Huckabay added eight points and six rebounds to the Montrose cause. Joey Anderson dished out five assists.

New Lothrop was led by DeAndre Johnson’s 24 points. NL buried nine triples during the course of the contest.

Montrose hit 21 of 59 from the floor for a 35.6% median and connected on 13 of 16 from the stripe.

The loss completes Montrose’s regular season with a 6-14 overall record. The Rams will host their own district, where they will take on Buena Vista on Monday in the opening round of tournament play.