Bury St. Edmunds Bulldogs stayed in the trophy hunt after a 76-69 comeback win over California Cougars at Copleston Centre.
The Bulldogs started slowly and were behind for all but the last four minutes against third placed Cougars, who had only lost once previously this season. The win keeps Bury at the top of Suffolk League Division 2 with one game left to play.
Despite creating open shots in the first quarter Bury struggled to score. Their opponents, on the other hand, were hot and led 26-8 by the end of the period. Much improved defence in the second quarter allowed the Bulldogs to get within 7 points by halftime but a Cougars run in the third had them leading by 17 with less than two minutes to go.
From then on it was all Bury. Great team defence led to fast breaks until their first lead of the game at 63-62. The Cougars didn't give up but couldn't get back in front of the determined Bulldogs team.
"I was so impressed with the team today," said Bulldogs Coach Glenn Collins after the game.
"We had a really tough loss on Thursday and in the first quarter today nothing was going in. It would have been easy to drop their heads but they hustled all game, kept trusting their shots and got what they deserved in the end."
Oli Cowling led the Bulldogs with 22 points including 17 in the final 12 minute comeback. Sonjay Williams added 17.
Bury return home to Skyliner Sports Centre to play Cougars again on Sunday 15th March at 6:15pm.
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