Bay City Western's Matt Costello won't be denied as he knocks down two of the thirty points to lead all scorers. (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

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Bay City Western Beats Midland Dow with Last Second Free Throws

February 5, 2012       Leave a Comment
By: John Keuvelaar

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Entering the contest with near identical records, Western and Dow lined up for what was billed to be a close contest. Down by five points at half time, Dow came back to be within one point entering the final quarter of play. But down the stretch, it was Matt Costello who put an end to the game by sinking two free throws with under 15 seconds to play to pull out a hard fought 58-56 Western victory.

The action was exciting from the opening tip-off as the two teams battled through a high scoring period. Matt Costello knocked down a three pointer to go with two more baskets. Brother John Costello added four more points along with guard Connor Foley to help Western post 18 points for the quarter. But Dow was equally ready for the offensive attack as Malik Garner hit two three point shots to go along with teammate Blake Appell's six points to help keep the Charger's within one point, 18-17.

Tough physical play highlighted the second period as each team sought to shutdown the other and Dow tried to keep MSU recruit, Matt Costello under control. But the tighter defense also resulted in sending Costello to the line six times with the senior dropping four to go along with his two other baskets giving the Warriors the edge. Jake Watz's three pointer and John Costello's four points in the quarter helped Western gain a four point advantage for the quarter and send the Warriors into the locker room up by 5, 32-27. The Chargers got help working the ball around more as they climbed back into the contest. Sean Cushman and Brandon Bowser each hit a three pointer to go with a two in the period and combining with Blake Appell's four points, they lead the Chargers to sixteen points for the quarter. The Costello brothers help keep the Warriors on top combining for all 12 of Western's points for the quarter as Midland Dow narrow the margin to a 44-43 Western lead.

The game see-sawed back and forth as tight defense kept the whistles blowing and the parade to the charity stripe marching. Dow made six shots scoring four times during the period. Determined not to let Matt Costello beat them from the floor, they were able to keep the senior from Western to only two points from the floor. But it was the six tries from the line that did the Chargers in.

After making three of his first four foul shots, Costello was fouled with just under 15 seconds to play. He then calmly strode to the line and sunk both attempts putting the Warriors ahead, 58-56. Savvy coaching by Coach Walz allowed Western to use their two fouls to give forcing Dow to spend much of the remaining seconds inbounding the ball. The strategy paid off as Dow was unable to get a shot off and Western walked off with a victory.

The Costello brothers accounted for 46 of the teams 58 points with Matt scoring 30 and John adding 16.

The Chargers were paced by Blake Appell's 16 points with Sean Cushman knocking down 13. Malik Garner and Brandon Bowser each scored 9.

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John Keuvelaar
John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College. More from John Keuvelaar

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