By Nicole Laidlaw
Sports Correspondent
Oxford’s varsity cagers scored their first victory of the season Tuesday night.
The Wildcats beat Holly 48-45. Leading scorers were Chris Keenist with 22 points and Brandon Dugan with 10 points.
Oxford’s record is now 1-5 overall and 1-2 in the Flint Metro League.
Last week, Oxford lost 43-29 to the undefeated Lapeer East.
East took off against the Wildcats offensively in the first quarter, scoring 13 points. Oxford, on the other hand, was unable to make much happen and only put in six points.
Oxford’s inability to score more than 12 points in the first half resulted in a nine-point deficit at the end of the half. They went into half-time down 21-12.
The Wildcats failed to decreased the gap in the second half. Having too many missed field goals and missed free throws to take a lead in the game, the Cats handed the Eagles their fifth victory by 14 points.
‘When you only shoot 20 percent from the floor, shoot only seven of 17 from the free throw line, and commit 20 turnovers, you won’t be successful offensively. However, when you face a tam who is 5-0 and hold them to under 50 points, it’s something you can build upon,? said Coach Steve Laidlaw.
Laidlaw credited juniors Matt Patria and Ryan Markowitz for strong efforts against Lapeer East. They both had good overall performances.
Junior Zach Tilley led the team for the first time this season with 10 points. Senior Vinnie Ives had six rebounds, and senior Brandon Dugan had three steals.
The Cats are back at home Jan. 9 against Holly, and are back on the road Friday to take on the Brandon Blackhawks.