Cougars fall after solid first half

Warden runs with Colfax for 16 minutes

WARDEN — There were four lead changes in the first half of Warden's game against Colfax Tuesday but the first half was not enough to sustain the Cougars, who were defeated 74-46.

"We played pretty well in the first half," said head coach Josh Madsen. "It was a good team we played tonight."

The Cougars won the tip before turning the ball over.

Colfax took advantage of the mistake and the ensuing panic, jumping to a 6-2 lead.

Warden settled down and was able to make it 6-4 before Guy Jensen drained a three to give Warden their first lead of the night.

Jensen followed his three with an off-balance jumper, managing to get the ball through the hoop on his way to the floor.

Colfax made a couple of quick scores and pulled ahead 10-9.

Warden was called for a traveling violation and the Bulldogs used the turnover to extend the lead to three points.

The Cougars' Joseph Alling got a trip to the line, making 1 of 2, to make it 13-10 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter began with a jump ball going Warden's way.

Josh Bisnett was sent to the line for two shots after getting fouled down low and made them both pulling Warden within one.

"I think Josh played pretty well," said Madsen. "I think he left some points on the floor. We've been working on getting him the ball in practice."

Warden took the lead for the last time on a bucket from Matt Kottong, assisted by Alex Rosas.

Colfax answered and took the lead for the final time at 15-14.

The Cougars kept it close before allowing Colfax to go on a 6-0 scoring run.

Warden took a time out with three minutes left in the half but it did not cool the Bulldogs' shooting.

Late in the second quarter, Warden squandered three scoring opportunities in the paint, chasing down offensive rebounds twice without getting a score.

Jorge Reyes had a blocked shot to end the half.

Colfax went into the locker room with a 33-22 lead.

Despite the Bulldogs committing 10 fouls, including two offensive fouls in the second half, Warden was unable to keep up.

Two turnovers early in the third quarter helped extend Colfax's lead to 41-28.

Colfax scored a quick four points with two minutes left in the half when Warden called a time out to try to quell the burst.

Bisnett scored 10 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter. Jensen had 11 points and Alling had six.

"We're 0-4 now," Madsen said. "We have three more games before break."

Warden's next game is Friday against Goldendale.