The Clinton County Bulldogs dropped it’s third game of the season to the Monroe County Falcons Friday night in a close, down-to-the-wire contest, 46-44.

During the first meeting between the two teams on December 9 at The Castle, Monroe County won by two points, 60-58. Both teams met again in the finals of the 4th Region All “A” Classic that saw Clinton County send the game into overtime with a three point shot by Keifer Dalton with six seconds on the clock. Monroe County won that game by one point in overtime, 53-52.

This past Friday night, the Dawgs traveled to the Falcons’ Nest for it’s third game of the season and with the previous two games in mind, it was set to be a battle to the end.

Clinton County opened up with basket from Claywell at the 7:41 mark.

The Falcons quickly responded and took the lead on a three pointer. The game was back and forth all through the first quarter. Clinton County held the lead for a little while, then Monroe County moved ahead with less than a minute remaining for a first quarter score of 18-15.

Both teams struggled to produce points in the second quarter, mainly due to defensive pressure put on by both teams.

The Dawgs added only nine points to the scoreboard during the second quarter while Monroe County put up 10 to take a two point lead at the half, 28-26.

Both teams tied in the third quarter, putting up nine points on both sides of the board. Monroe County was struggling from the floor as Clinton County was holding strong on defense.

The Bulldogs tactics of slowing the game down seemed to be working as the Falcons were having trouble on the offesive end.

At the end of the third period, Monroe County continued to hold a two point lead, 37-35.

During the final period, Monroe County grabbed a four point lead several times during the eight minute stretch, but Clinton County managed to cut that lead every time in order to keep the game from getting away.

Both teams still continued to struggle from the floor, but with 17 seconds left, Colin Langford hit a deep three pointer from the top of the key to cut the lead to only one point, 45-44.

With 12 seconds left, the Dawgs fouled in order to stop the clock and sent Monroe County to the line.

The Falcons hit only one of two from the line to take a two point lead. With 12 seconds left, Clinton County had the chance for the final shot, but missed it’s final two shot attempts to take the win.

The 46-44 loss marks the Dawgs’ 10th loss of the season and move to 17-10 on the year.

Individual scoring for Clinton County was:

Smith 18

Dalton 9

McWhorter 6

Claywell 4

Langford 3

Gibson 2

Nelson 2

The Dawgs will be back in action Thursday night at home against Barren County for the final game of the regular season if weather permits.

Clinton County was scheduled to travel to South Warren Monday night, but that game was canceled due to weather conditions.

Brett Gibson drove the lane Friday night against Monroe County. The Bulldogs took the Falcons down to the wire, but failed to make a shot as the buzzer sounded and ended the game.

Chance McWhorter made a shot in the lane during the first half Friday night against Monroe County. The Bulldogs lost the game, 46-44 and move to 17-10 on the season. McWhorter finished with six points.