GLENDALE — The sting of the last two losses to Juniata Valley and Williamsburg were felt in a big way by the Curwensville Golden Tide. A game that was nearly in their grasp slipped away, and it was one where they truly felt was a game they could have won. However, the sting was behind them, as the next game was on the horizon Friday night. The bus was loaded up, and Curwensville made the trip to Glendale for the second showdown against the Vikings.
In a way, this night was about redemption, trying to make up for what might have been, and look to what will be. Curwensville, although in some instances would face the same adversity, would pull out enough to get the triumph on this night, 42-36.
Both squads had a low-scoring opening quarter, swapping the lead a couple times. Curwensville managed to hold a slight advantage, but it became a case of “same song, different verse,” as the Tide would again face a tough go in the second quarter. Although it was not always challenging, they would not pull out to an advantage in the stanza. Both teams accomplished getting 12 points, as Curwensville took a 21-20 lead into the locker room.
The third quarter was the one the Tide needed to get just enough of a cushion. Four of the five starters would add points in the stanza, increasing the lead to two possessions with one quarter to play.
Glendale would still battle hard in the final quarter, but foul shooting would allow Curwensville to pull away, as Davis Fleming put four of five shots from the line in the hoop, plus another shot from the floor. Fleming led all scoring on the night, finishing with 15 points. Glendale tried to pull back, but fell short despite Landen McGarvey bucketing 14 points.
The Tide are in the midst of a four-game road slate, as they will take their 9-6 record into Wednesday’s contest against Mount Union. This game was originally to be played on January 19, however the winter weather that hit the area last week moved the game to the end of the month.
SCORE BY QUARTER
Curwensville 9 12 12 9 – 42
Glendale 8 12 8 8 – 36
Curwensville – 42
Grant Swanson 1 1-2 4, Davis Fleming 5 6-8 15, Braden Holland 2 2-4 6, Hunter Tkacik 4 0-0 9, Louie Tkacik 1 0-0 2, Parker Wood 3 0-0 6. TOTALS 16 9-14 42.
Glendale – 36
Connor Potutschnig 4 0-0 9, Jacob Lukehart 1 0-0 2, Joey Kitko 3 0-2 6, Mason Eckenrode 0 0-0 0, Landen McGarvey 4 2-2 14, David Frowner 1 0-0 3, Rhylan Hoopsick-Bell 1 0-0 2. TOTALS 14 2-4 36.