Cowboys Nip Bainville In First Round

The Culbertson Cowboys fought off Bainville, 23-22, in the opening round of the District 2C tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

The game was deadlocked at 16-16 after three quarters of play. The Bulldogs grabbed an 18-16 lead on a dunk by Alex Strickland early in the fourth period.

A drive by Strickland put the Bulldogs up 20-16 with 5:31 remaining. Bainville was able to increase the gap to 22-16 on an inside shot by Samuel Butikofer with 3:15 remaining.

Culbertson started its comeback on a three-pointer by Nyreece Halvorson with 2:18 left in the contest.

A three-point play by Mark Kirkaldie on an inbounds play tied the game, 22-22, with 1:19 remaining.

After the Bulldogs missed a three-point attempt, Donte Eagle Boy put the Cowboys ahead, 23-22, with a free throw with 39 seconds left.

Kirkaldie then made a big defensive play when he took a charge with 12 seconds remaining. After the Cowboys missed from the foul stripe, the Bulldogs turned the ball over with only four seconds left.

Bridger Salvevold led the Cowboys with six points. Halvorson and Kirkaldie added five points each. Gavin Deen scored four and Eagle Boy had three points.

Salvevold finished with eight rebounds.

Strickland led the Bulldogs with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Adding two points each were Reese Harmon, Charles Butikofer, S. Butikofer and Cayden Boyd.