Farmington Cardinals Not Finishing Quarters

FARMINGTON — Surrendering 3-point shots at the end of the second and third quarters, then giving up a gametying layup at the end of regulation, cost Farmington dearly.

The Cardinals dropped their last home game of the season, 64-60, in overtime to Pea Ridge on Feb. 7.

“We have a chance to win every game we play in, it seems like, but we just don’t,” said a disappointed Cardinal coach Beau Thompson.

Matt Brackett began the scoring with a steal and breakaway slam electrifying the crowd but the inability to finish quarters hurt the Cardinals.

“They score eight points at the buzzer at the end of quarters. That’s the difference in the ball game,” Thompson said.

Dakota Woodward, the game high scorer with 16 points, cut the Cardinals’ lead in half by hitting a 3- pointer at the halftime buzzer. With seven seconds left, Chase Garner got a good look from Jonathan Curtis on the wing and scored, but Woodward was able to get off a last second shot.

It was deja vu at the close of the third period when Woodward again hit a 3- pointer at the buzzer reducing Farmington’s lead to four points, at 41-37, going into the fourth quarter.

It was Levi Pitts’ layup on a backcut, coming out of a timeout on an inbounds play, with five seconds to go in regulation that tied the game at 55-all and stole Farmington’s thunder on senior night. Given new life, Pea Ridge rode the momentum in overtime and outscored the Cardinals 9-5.

Farmington appeared poised to win after taking a 50-43 lead on back-to-back trifectas by senior guard Jared Martin.

“Martin gave us a chance to win like he always does,” Thompson said.

Turnovers down the stretch and a missed opportunity at the free-throw line proved costly.

The Cardinals were whistled for traveling, which led to a Pea Ridge score. Then, Woodward stole the ball and scored, bringing Pea Ridge within, 50-49. The heroics of Josh Mueller nearly pulled the game out of the fire for Farmington. The 5- foot- 6 junior guard was able to drive to the hoop and finish twice, then after another Cardinal turnover, hustled downcourt and got his feet set to draw a charge and erase a bucket that would have put the Blackhawks ahead.

Farmington missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 26 seconds remaining and Pea Ridge got the rebound and held the ball before setting up a last- second scoring play. On senior night, Martin led the Cardinals with 15 points, getting help from front-liners, Garner (14) and Alex Dellett (10 points).

Thompson said the Cardinals had way too many turnovers.

“You can’t expect to win close games when you don’t value the basketball,” Thompson said.

Brackett 3 0-0 7, Hollingsworth 0 2-2 2, Garner 7 0-0 14, Martin 6 0-0 15, Mueller 3 3-5 9, Dellet 4 2-2 10, Stevens 1 0-0 3, Mcclain 0 0-0 0. Totals 24 7-9 60.

Woodward 5 4-5 16, Mangrum 4 1-2 9, Higgins 4 2-3 12, Hall 4 3-5 13, Tidwell 1 2-2 4, Pitts 2 1-2 6. Totals 20 17-24 64.

Three-point goals —

Farmington 5 (Martin 3, Brackett, Stevens), Pea Ridge 7 (Hall 2, Woodward 2, Pitts).