Couriers surrender lead, game in fourth

GOSHEN (Fri., Jan. 23, 2009) - The Community Baptist Cougars took their first lead with about four minutes left in the game but hung on to topple the Couriers 59-55.

The two teams battled for control of the game in the first half with the Couriers entering the locker room up 27-23. An early 13-6 in the third quarter that included two three-pointers by Dustin Yoder and one by Evan Stutzman saw the Couriers take their biggest lead at 40-29 with 5 minutes to go in the period. The Cougars scored the next 7 points to draw within four (40-36) to begin their comeback bid.

With 4:06 remaining in the contest, AJ Kuhn's 3 gave the Cougars a 50-49 lead, their first of the game. Evan Stutzman scored 40 seconds later as the Couriers regained the lead. The lead was short-lived as the Cougars outscored the Couriers 9-4 over the final 3:27.

With the Cougars up 56-55, Tanner Hulin missed two free throws at :28.1. Then, at :09.5, Kuhn made it three straight misses before dropping his second for the game's final point.

Evan Stutzman scored a career-high 24 points and Jordan Bontrager added 10 for the Couriers. John Miller had 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Jason McQueen finished with 21 points, Hulin 18 and Kuhn 11 for Community Baptist (4-2).

Although the Cougars won, the Couriers still lead the series 12-11.

Judson Yoder scored 15 points as the Couriers (8-1) prevailed 57-37 in the JV game. The visitors fell to 3-1.

A trip to the Amigo Centre near Sturgis, Michigan is next for the Couriers. The opponent Tuesday will be the MCE Knights. The Couriers (9-7) edged the Knights 69-64 on December 16.