Boys lose to Browning in OT, but bounce back against Loyola

The Columbia Falls boys basketball winning streak ended last week as they lost to Browning on the road in overtime Friday night 83-79. But the next night they made another long road trip to Missoula and beat Loyola, one of the top teams in Class B, 72-65.

Alihn Anderson had 23 in the loss to Browning. Cody Schweikert had 18 and Bryce Dunham had 13.

“We had a few bad breaks,” coach Chris Finberg said. “And we gave up too many many layups and points in transition.”

Still, Finberg was overall pleased with the way the boys played.

Against Loyola Saturday, the Cats maybe should have been off a bit after a long night and then a long bus trip to Missoula, but they weren’t.

Hill had 19 and the Wildcats were up 55-34 after three.

“That (performance) was impressive. We got home late. Then we’re on the bus by 9 a.m. and we played well … that showed some mental toughness there,” Finberg said.

Loyola had an impressive fourth — scoring 31 points, but the Cats had 17 and kept the Breakers at bay.

The boys traveled to Bigfork Tuesday, then travel to Polson Thursday. They then have a home game against Polson Saturday at 4 p.m.

The Cats are now 4-1 in conference. Polson is 4-1 as well., but 6-5 overall. The Cats are 9-2 overall.

Col. Falls 20 13 23 15 8 -79 Browning 19 14 18 20 12 -83 COLUMBIA FALLS — Mark Robison 3, Alihn Anderson 23, Jace Hill 12, Bryce Dunham 13, Reggie Sapa 9, Cody Schweikert 18, Hunter Goodman 1.

BROWNING — Maurice Redhorn III 16, Mahuia Ehlers 5, Payton Grant 8, Brayds Vielle 8, Jamerson Lazyboy 8, Tommy Running Rabbit 25, Gilbert Blackman 1, Robert Reagan 8, Tristan Crawford 4.

Columbia Falls 72, Missoula Loyola 65 C-Falls 21 17 17 17 - 72 Loyola 11 11 12 31 - 65 COLUMBIA FALLS — Mark Robison 4, Alihn Anderson 11, Jace Hill 19, Bryce Dunham 4, Reggie Sapa 6, Cody Schweikert 14, Hunter Goodman 14.

MISSOULA LOYOLA — Raef Konzen 10, Talen Reynolds 2, Jack Clevenger 2, Ethan Stack 6, Noah Haffey 31, Reynolds Johnston 14.