Scots buckle against Jack Britt

LAURINBURG — It took almost two minutes before the Fighting Scots or Jack Britt could find the basket during their non-conference game on Tuesday. Both teams would throw shots up and the ball would roll around the rim and fall out.

That inability to get the ball in the hoop ended up costing the Fighting Scots the game against the Buccaneers as they suffered their second loss of the season, 40-61.

The Scots had a slim lead early going on a 4-0 run courtesy of a steal by junior Niem Ratliffe and back-to-back baskets by senior Al Farmer down low. A three pointer by Greg McMillian saw the Scots take a 7-4 lead. A second steal by Ratliffe and a basket by Justin McRae gave the Scots a five-point cushion before Jack Britt’s Zac Hill went on a 6-0 run of his own.

Down by one point the Scots didn’t panic and regained the lead off a basket by Ratliffe. Two more baskets by the Buccaneers gave them a three point lead at the end of the first quarter, 14-11. The scoring troubles for the Scots started in the second quarter as Jack Britt outscored the Scots, 12-7. The Scots had ample opportunities to score, but couldn’t put the ball in the basket, aside from Ratliffe’s seven points.

The offensive headaches intensified after halftime as Jack Britt went on a 10-0 before Scots head coach Matt Justin was forced to call a timeout. The Scots were able to momentarily stop the bleeding as Farmer scored two baskets and Tyrese Baucum split a pair of free throws.

A second single digit quarter saw the Scots down 25-44 heading into the final eight minutes of the game.

The fourth quarter was much of the same for the Scots, unable to cut into Jack Britt’s lead — down as many as 20 points at certain points. To their credit, the Scots continued to fight throughout the game, despite their off scoring night.

The Scots were led in their scoring efforts by Ratliffe with 15 points followed by Farmer with eight, Garrett McRae with seven, McMillian with six, Justin McRae with three and Baucum with one.

The Scots were on the road last night against Marlboro County. Next week, the Scots were scheduled to travel to Union Pines but that game has been cancelled. So the Scots only game next week will be at home against Marlboro County.

Amber Hatten can be reached at 910-506-3170.

Amber Hatten|Laurinburg Exchange Scots senior Al Farmer drives to the basket against a Jack Britt defender during Tuesday’s home game. Farmer finished the game with eight points as the Scots dropped their second game of the season to the Buccaneers, 40-61.

https://laurinburgexch.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_IMG_4952.jpgAmber Hatten|Laurinburg Exchange Scots senior Al Farmer drives to the basket against a Jack Britt defender during Tuesday’s home game. Farmer finished the game with eight points as the Scots dropped their second game of the season to the Buccaneers, 40-61.

Amber Hatten|Laurinburg Exchange Fighting Scots guard Justin McRae tries to fight through traffic to get to the basket during Tuesday’s non-conference home game against Jack Britt. McRae finished the game with three points.

https://laurinburgexch.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_IMG_4950.jpgAmber Hatten|Laurinburg Exchange Fighting Scots guard Justin McRae tries to fight through traffic to get to the basket during Tuesday’s non-conference home game against Jack Britt. McRae finished the game with three points.