After a strong start, the Taylor Ducks basketball team fell short Friday night.
On Jan. 20, the Ducks were defeated by the Manor New Tech Titans 59-51 at the Duck Pond.
The loss moved the Ducks to 2-4 in district play and keeps them one game out of playoff contention.
The game started fiery start for the Ducks with their offense and defense clicking and making plays. The Ducks were able to hold a 14-6 lead in the first quarter, but the Titans came storming back.
Before the end of the first quarter, the Titans went on a 6-0 run to cut the Ducks lead to only two points heading into the second quarter. When the second quarter started, the Ducks knew the Titans would keep their fire, so Taylor would have to respond and match their intensity.
The Ducks and Titans engaged in offensive warfare in the second quarter with the Ducks having the smallest of edges by having a onepoint lead at halftime. Both teams came out of the locker room with a scowl on their face, knowing they did not want to give an inch to the other in this game.
The third quarter was similar to the second as the teams torched each other on the offensive end of the court. There was one key difference between the second and third quarter though, as the Titans were the ones who found themselves with the lead heading into the fourth and game deciding quarter.
The Titans ability to find their rhythm from three-point land helped as they worked themselves back into the game and gave them the lead before the final quarter.
The Titans continued to score effectively and started to wear down the Ducks paint presence. The Titans were able to haul in several offensive rebounds, which helped add points to their lead and create separation on the scoreboard.
The Titans third quarter surge was the difference maker in Friday’s game, and when the final horn sounded the Titans were standing victorious.
With six games left on the schedule, the Ducks set their sight on La Grange and their matchup in Tuesday, Jan. 24, as they look to find a way back into the playoff picture.
