Basketball Recap: Lauren Hurst's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Cleveland over Cookeville

Cleveland fought the good fight in their overtime contest against Cookeville on Saturday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Cookeville Cavaliers by a score of 57-55. The Blue Raiders have been going strong on the season, but this is now their second loss in a row.

Cleveland's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Lauren Hurst, who dropped a double-double with 21 points and ten rebounds. Emma Smith was another key player, shooting 63% from the field to rack up 14 points.

Cookeville's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Cara Lee Gilbert led the charge by going 7-for-11 on her way to 20 points. That makes it three consecutive games in which Gilbert has scored at least a third of Cookeville's points. Another player making a difference was Callie Reeder, who posted 14 points.

Cleveland's loss dropped their record down to 24-9. As for Cookeville, they pushed their record up to 24-7 with the win, which was their 23rd straight at home dating back to last season.

Cleveland does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Cookeville, they wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next game, a 49-37 victory against Lincoln County on the 13th.