Bison ride third-quarter surge to victory on home court

NEW BUFFALO — The New Buffalo High School boys basketball team took control of its Feb. 7 home game against Covert with a dominant third-quarter performance en-route to a 67-33 victory.

The Bison led 15-12 after one quarter (Andres Becerra tallied 9 points in the first frame for the home team).

“I just came out feeling good,” he said.

Second-period scores by Elliot Bourne, Sam Tripp and Landon Haskins helped New Buffalo open up a 26-15 margin, but Marcus Preston’s three-pointer and a basket by Travon Vaughn pulled the Bulldogs within six (26-20) at half-time.

The Bison opened the third quarter on a 15-0 run (Tripp sank a “3” and Bourne scored twice off steals) to take control.

“We just came out with a lot more energy than at the start of the game,” Bourne said.

Landon Haskins said the press on defense helped the Bison build up there lead.

Covert’s Calvin Campbell finally found the bucket half-way through the frame, but another three-pointer from Tripp and a Bourne score sent the home team into the final period on top 46-24.

The Bulldogs tallied the first seven points of the fourth stanza, but three-point baskets by Landon Haskins and Nick Haskins helped New Buffalo stay safely ahead to the final buzzer.

Bourne (14 points) and Nick Haskins (13 points) paced a balanced New Buffalo attack. Tripp finished with 11 points, Beceraa scored 9 and Landon Haskins added 7 points.

Marcus Preston paced Covert with 13 points.

“The kids are learning to play still … When they slow down and play disciplined they’re a lot better,” said New Buffalo head coach Nate Tripp.