Another close call, Princeton falls 57-55 to Rock Falls

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GENESEO - So close, again.

Princeton dropped its final game of the Geneseo Thanksgiving Tournament, falling 57-55 Saturday to Rock Falls.

It was a common theme for the Tigers throughout the tournament. Of their three losses, the Tigers (1-3) loss by a total of six points.

The Tigers lost to East Moline 56-55 on Wednesday and fell in overtime to Rockridge, 72-69, Friday afternoon. The Tigers’ lone win came Friday evening, defeating Geneseo, 62-50.

“Overall, we were outscored by a total of six points in three losses. It comes down to being ready to play four quarters and playing situational basketball. That starts with me to prepare them better and get them ready to play,” PHS coach Jason Smith said.

“There is so much we can and will improve upon and I can’t wait to get to practice on Monday to start getting better.”

After playing the Rockets to one point game in the first quarter (17-16), the Tigers let things slip away in the second, falling behind 35-23 at the half.

“This game we came out with zero energy,” Smith said. “I was extremely happy how we came out in the fourth quarter and competed. As you know by the outcome, it was a little too late. We outplayed them for one quarter and Rock falls outplayed us for three.”

The Rockets led 47-38 after three quarters before the Tigers made their move, outscoring Rock Falls 17-10 in the fourth quarter only to fall two points short.

PHS guards Teegan Davis and Grady Thompson each scored 15 points while Kaden Monroe added 12.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Rockridge 72, Princeton 69: The Tigers led 25-14 at the half and 40-34 at the end of three quarters. The Rockets outscored the Tigers 30-24 in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 64 at the end of regulation.

Kaden Monroe led PHS with 23 points with Davis adding 14 and Thompson 12.

Princeton 62, Geneseo 50: The Tigers won their first game of the year, defeating the host Maple Leafs 62-50 Friday evening. Thompson led the Tigers with 24 points with Davis adding 15 and Kaden Monroe 11.

Final standings: 1) UT 4-0, 2) Rockridge 3-1, 3) Geneseo 2-2, 4 (tie) Rock Falls 1-3, Princeton 1-3, Kewanee 1-3