December 9, 2000 MIAMI EAST
Not being able to prepare properly from an extended football season and playing for the second consecutive night can have an affect on a team early in the season. It also doesn't help matters when you are facing one of the best teams in the state. That's what the Buccs had to try and overcome as they traveled to Miami East to face the Vikings.
The Buccs started out well in the first quarter. With fresh legs, they were able to take a 16-14 lead by the end of the first period. As the game progressed, the Buccs had a hard time keeping pace with the fresher Vikings team. Miami east took a 35-29 lead at the half.
The second half was very similar to the first half. The Buccs matched East basket for basket in the third with each team scoring 10 points. East pulled away in the fourth period by outscoring the Buccs 19-10 and walking away with a 64-49 win.
The Buccs were led by 15 points from Josh Burelison and 14 from Jason Meyer. Derrek Shively had a solid night under the boards with 10 rebounds. The Buccs only shot around 37 percent from the field while Miami East shot close to 50 percent. East also benefited from regular visits to the foul-line, making 16 out of 24. The Buccs only managed to reach the line 9 times but they did convert on 7 shots.
The Buccs get six days to rest their legs and prepare for Franklin Monroe. They host the Jets on December 15 at Covington High School.