Basketball Recap: Lafayette Takes a Tough Playoff Loss

Lafayette and Hilliard squared off in some playoff action on Wednesday, but Lafayette had to settle for second. They were outmatched by the Hilliard Red Flashes and fell 76-34. While losing is never fun, the Hornets can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 585th, while the Red Flashes are ranked 126th).

When it comes to explaining why Lafayette lost, don't look at Jordan Murphy. Despite the final result, he posted 16 points in addition to eight boards and three steals.

Even though they lost, Lafayette smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive rebounds in five consecutive contests.

Hilliard had a senior duo take command as Ta'Veon Dunbar went 9 of 16 on his way to 20 points along with five assists and five rebounds and Cj Hall went 8 for 11 to rack up 18 points in addition to seven boards and five steals. Those five assists gave Dunbar a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Dj Alderman, who earned 11 points.

Lafayette's defeat dropped their record down to 11-11. As for Hilliard, they are on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six matches, which provided a nice bump to their 13-5 record this season.

Lafayette does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Hilliard, they wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next game, a 65-43 win against Madison County on the 7th.