The Clinton County Bulldogs lost Saturday night against Russell County to move to 9-6 on the year, leaving the Laker’s gym with the 72-56 loss.

The Dawgs’ game was somewhat close during the first half, with Clinton County leading 12-11 after the first period.

During the second quarter, Russell County caught fire and began to move ahead of the Dawgs, 26-15 with 3:54 remaining in the half.

The Dawgs then put together a 9-1 run to cut the lead to two points, 26-24, but Russell County then finished the quarter with an 8-4 run to lead by five at halftime, 33-28.

Russell County extended it’s lead in the third quarter to seven points twice before Clinton County made another run at the lead by tying the game at 39 with 4:55 on the clock.

From that point on it was treading water for the Dawgs as Russell County took complete control of the game.

Russell County finished the third quarter with an 11-0 run to lead by 11 points, 50-39.

During the fourth quarter, Clinton County’s offense was almost non-existent as Russell County continued to pull away from the Dawgs.

The Lakers reached a 23 point lead with 2:32 on the clock, 70-47.

Head Coach Todd Messer pulled his starters for the remainder of the game and the Dawgs finished with a 16-point loss, 72-56, and its sixth of the year.

The Dawgs hit 18 of 50 from the floor for 36 percent and hit 13 of 22 from the foul line for 59.1 percent.

Russell County hit more free throws in the game than Clinton County shot, bringing into question the number of fouls called on Clinton County, compared to Russell County. The Lakers hit 30 of 34 from the foul line for 88.2 percent with Clinton County being called for 28 personal fouls for the game. Russell County was only called for 19 personal fouls during the game.

Individual scoring for Clinton County was:

Dalton 16

Smith 14

Claywell 9

Gibson 6

Collins 5

Summers 3

Nelson 2

Brown 1

Clinton County hosted Pickett County Tuesday night, too late for press deadline, and will travel to Metcalfe County Friday to take on the Hornets. Tip off for Friday night’s game will be immediately following the Lady Dawgs’ game.

Below, Lance Claywell put up a jumper in the lane during Saturday night’s game against Russell County. Claywell finished with nine points.

Head Coach Todd Messer had words with referee Tonie Brown during the second half of Saturday night’s game that resulted in Messer getting a technical foul.

Clinton County lost the game, 72-56 and moved its record to 9-6 on the year.

The Bulldogs hosted Pickett County Tuesday night, too late for press deadline, and will travel to Metcalfe County Friday night for the third meeting between the two teams. Clinton County has defeated the Hornets twice this season.