The Northwestern Trojans struggled with assists on Tuesday (the Catawba Ridge Copperheads had seven more) and sadly the final score reflected it. Northwestern was outmatched by Catawba Ridge on the road and fell 67-36. The result shouldn't come as a shock considering that's the fewest points Northwestern has scored all season.
Northwestern's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Ryland Meszaros, who scored seven points along with six rebounds. Meszaros is trending in the right direction, as he's improved his point production for three games straight.
Leading Catawba Ridge to victory were Lance Barnes and Zyan Hager. Barnes scored 20 points along with nine rebounds, while Hager scored 19 points along with six steals. Hager is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last 12 games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Landon Foley, who scored 11 points along with five rebounds.
Northwestern now has a losing record at 10-11. As for Catawba Ridge, they are on a roll lately: they've won 12 of their last 13 matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 18-2 record this season.
Northwestern will look to defend their home court on Friday against Lancaster at 7:45 p.m. That game will pit two of the most dominant guards against one another: Jordan Watford and Mason Mitchell. As for Catawba Ridge, they will head out on the road to face off against South Pointe at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. South Pointe is on a four-game streak of home wins, Catawba Ridge a four-game streak of away wins -- so someone will have to leave a streak behind on the court.
