After flying high against the Southern Columbia Area Tigers last Tuesday, the Bloomsburg Panthers came back down to earth. Bloomsburg fell 50-39 to Hughesville on Friday. While losing is never fun, Bloomsburg can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 286th, while Hughesville is ranked 65th).
Bloomsburg's loss came despite strong showings from Bella Pistoia and Brynna Zentner. Pistoia scored 15 points along with eight rebounds, while Zentner scored 14 points along with five rebounds and three steals. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Pistoia has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Maddy Devine, who scored six points.
Hughesville found their leader in underclassman Maddie Smith, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and 13 rebounds. Smith is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last four games she's played. Another player making a difference was Alli Anstadt, who scored eight points along with nine rebounds and two steals.
Bloomsburg has traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost six of their last seven games, which put a noticeable dent in their 7-7 record this season. As for Hughesville, their victory bumped their record up to 11-2.
Bloomsburg will be playing in front of their home fans against Warrior Run at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Hughesville, they will head out on the road to square off against Mount Carmel at 7:30 p.m. on Monday.
