MINDEN - For the second time in two nights, the Douglas boys' basketball team had a higher-ranked team against the ropes midway through the third quarter and for the second night in a row, the higher-ranked team found a way out.
After South Tahoe used a barrage of 3-pointers Friday night to score a comeback victory against the Tigers, top-ranked Hug dug its way out of a hole against the Tigers Saturday night using an overwhelming full-court press to change the tide in a 63-57 victory over Douglas in Minden.
The Tigers had built a 47-42 lead before the Hawks made the switch to the trap press late in the third quarter. Douglas couldn't adjust quickly enough, allowing a 9-0 run to close out the quarter, giving the Hawks a 53-47 lead that they wouldn't relinquish.
That run was about the only serious stumble the Tigers had in the loss, as they recovered to pull back within two points twice late in the game.
A pair of Douglas turnovers at the other end in the last minute ended the threat.
Douglas coach Rob Streeter said eventually his team's hard work will pay off. "It's just a matter of time before we start to break through and learn how to win some of these close games," he said. "They're 6-0 for a reason. They got buckets when they needed to. They had guys who stepped up.
"I'm very proud of the progress our kids are making. Good things are going to happen to our kids."
Keith Olson led the way for the Tigers, scoring 16 points. Jordan Hadlock added nine points, Jeff Nady scored eight and Kevin Emm and Mike Gransbery each had seven points in the loss.
Douglas did an admirable job of covering Hug's Armon Johnson, considered by many to be the top player in the Northern 4A this season, holding him to just seven points in the first half and 16 points in all.
He had been averaging 28.9 points per game coming into Saturday night's game.
What the Tigers couldn't find an answer to, however, was Hawk shooting guard Eddie Cranford, who hit five 3-pointers in the game. He finished with a game-high 21 points.
Hug built a 29-23 lead through the middle of the second quarter before Olson went down with an injury to his face.
The Tigers put together a 12-4 run, sparked by six points from Jeff Nady and four from David Laird.
Olson returned for the start of the third quarter and scored four quick points to put the Tigers out in front 39-33.
The teams traded baskets evenly until a Cranford 3-pointer drew the Hawks to within three at 45-42.
Emm scored another basket to give the Tigers a five-point lead, after which the Hawks switched to the full-court trap on defense. Johnson hit a 3-pointer and a pair of free throws and Royce Rowe hit a pair of baskets to complete Hug's 9-0 run.
The Hawks also got 12 points from Darryl Feemster in the game.
Douglas got the remainder of its points from Joe Nady (4), Laird (4) and Nate Whalin (2).
Douglas, currently ranked No. 9 in the Sierra Nevada Sports Media poll, dropped to 7-12 overall on the season and 2-4 in league play. The Tigers are suffering through their longest losing streak of the season at four games.
Hug, currently ranked No. 1 in the region, improved to 16-3 overall and 6-0 in league play.
The Tigers travel to Wooster Tuesday night for a 7 p.m. tipoff.
GIRLS
DOUGLAS 72, HUG 36
The Lady Tigers put together their most impressive offensive performance of the season with their effort against Hug Saturday afternoon in Minden.
Douglas had runs of 10-0, 7-0, 11-2, 8-0 and 6-0 on its way to the win.
Monica Knight scored 19 points to lead the Tigers while Autumn Burtt added 11 points.
Nicole Didero scored nine points, Jessica Waggoner had eight, Bridget Maestretti had seven, Katie Ezell scored six and Kristin Wyatt had five.
Gina Pfaffenberger scored four points and Lisa Christen and Kayla Horse each scored two in the win.
The Tigers scored an impressive 45 points through the middle two quarters and improved to 7-13 overall and 3-3 in Sierra League play.
Douglas is currently riding a three-game winning streak, its longest of the season.