Tigers clinch Senior Night win over El Dorado Springs

After a miserable start to the Nevada Tiger basketball season three months ago, the Tigers are entering this year's Class 4 District 13 tournament with a record of 13-13. The win to make the Tigers 0.500% came from a big win over the El Dorado Springs Bulldogs (20-4 coming in Thursday night), with a final score of 53-49.

“It’s nice to send the seniors out with a win in front of our home fans for the last time they play at Wynn Gymnasium,” stated Head Coach Shaun Gray. “It was a wonderful atmosphere, and we went to the gym tonight in front of a packed house.”

On the stat sheet, it looked to be a night in favor for the Bulldogs, but that certainly wasn’t the case. The Tigers went to dominate the first half of the game after racking up a 10 point lead in the first quarter (18-8 Nevada), and a 18 point lead at halftime (32-14).

Coming into the second half is where the Tigers chances of winning decreased. The Bulldogs scored nine unanswered points against the Tigers to be down by only nine points. In the fourth quarter, Nevada prevailed to their 13th victory after El Dorado Springs had a player score three fouls in less than a minute, earning a personal foul and two technicals to foul out with just a few minutes left. The Tiger would win 53-49 to end their regular season.

“In the second half we could’ve done a better job of being patient offensively,” Coach Gray said. “I thought we got in a little bit of a hurry and took some quick average shots, which allowed Eldo to get out and play fast. Eldorado Springs intern knocked down some perimeter shots from role players in the third quarter, which was big for them as we had been able to hold their main scores and check.”

Since it was Senior NIght and the final game at home for both No. 3 Drew Beachler and No. 4 Cade Beshore, Nevada Daily Mail reached out to both players on how they reflect on their four year tenure for Nevada Basketball.

“This team is a great group of guys,” Beshore quoted. “They all work hard and care a lot about this program. Playing at home means a lot because of the support we get from the community every night.”Beachler stated a similar statement. “It means a lot to me because the people I play with are all my close friends. I love home games because of the local support we get coming to the games.”

What about their favorite memories from basketball? Beshore said, “One of my favorite moments is going to eat with the team after a game or practice. It is always a fun time.” Beachler also told NDM, “Probably my first dunk at home. That was a core memory.”

The Tigers will play in their district tournament next week.