Four Buccaneer players scored in double figures, but it wasn't enough as Milton Union pulled away in the fourth quarter to hand Covington a 61-52 loss.

Gene Studebaker shoots over a Milton defender for two points.

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January 6, 2007 – COVINGTON
For the Covington Buccaneers, there were plenty of positives despite falling to a talented and athletic Milton Union team, 61-52 on Saturday.

One positive was the Buccaneers had four players score in double figures. Seth Mohler led the way with 13 points, while Gene Studebaker dropped in 12. Derek Brumbaugh had 11 points and Corey Patty had his best offensive output of the season with 10 points.

"That's encouraging," said Craft of the balanced scoring from four of his five starters. "That's a good sign that we are growing and maturing as a team."

Another positive is something Craft hasn't questioned of his kids even in the most difficult defeats - effort.

"The kids play hard every night," Craft continued. "That's only going to make us better as the season progresses."

Covington's downfall on this night was missed opportunities in the paint and a 4:00 timeframe early in the fourth quarter where Milton Union went on a 9-2 run to take a 53-48 lead after trailing 46-44 to start the period.

"That was the difference in the game," said Craft. "It looked like we had some momentum at the end of the third when Gene (Studebaker) snuck in the back side for a lay-up. But we didn't make the plays when we needed down the stretch and allowed them to get a run on us. We had to play catch up from there."

Covington tried as Studebaker scored on a lay-up and a runner, but it would be the only remaining points the Buccs would get in the contest.

The visiting Bulldogs converted at the free throw line, making six of seven attempts in the final 3:00 to take the win.

"They (Milton) made the plays and we didn't," Craft said. "We missed too many shots in the paint in the fourth quarter. We controlled the boards on the offensive end, but didn't finish with points."

Covington did control the boards as it pulled down 32 rebounds to 21 for Milton Union. The Buccs also grabbed 16 offensive rebounds to just seven for the Bulldogs.

However, Milton held a 15-10 advantage in turnovers, something Craft wasn't pleased with.

"About five or six of those (turnovers) were unforced," said Craft. "We have to take better care of the basketball."

Neither team could gain much of an advantage over the first three periods as the score was deadlocked after one, 12-12. The Buccs held a 27-26 lead at the half and extended the lead to 46-44 heading into the fourth period.

The Buccs' largest lead of the contest was 33-27 after Drew Craft, Seth Mohler and Corey Patty each scored baskets to start the second half.

It didn't take Milton long to regain the lead as Mitch Evens scored on a trey, followed by two jumpers and a free throw.

Evans ended up with a game-high 16 points, which drew praise from Craft.

"They are a good basketball team with a lot of good athletes," Craft said. "When you have Evans, quickness at the guard position and decent size inside - you have a nice basketball team."

Despite the loss, Craft sees his team growing in confidence.

"I think we're getting more confident," said Craft. "We executed well at times, but we need to do that on a consistent basis."

Covington drops to 5-6 on the season, but is still in the hunt in the Cross County Conference at 4-1.

The Buccs have a huge conference match-up next Friday at rival Newton.

Scoring by Quarters:
Milton Union ..........12.......26........44.......61
Covington ..............12.......27........46.......52

Covington Scoring:
Mohler - 13
Studebaker - 12
Brumbaugh - 11
Patty - 10
Craft - 4
Simon - 2

Milton Union Scoring:
Evans - 16
Dennler - 1
Johnson - 11
Kroplin - 9
Thompson - 5
Chapa - 4
Antonides - 3
Rush - 2

Three-point Scoring:
Covington: 0
Milton Union: Evans (1), Antonides (1)