Bulldogs stay in title race with win over Bears

A win over the Church Point Bears on Friday was something the Ville Platte Bulldogs needed in order to stay in contention for the district championship. Ville Platte came into the game one game out of first place behind league leader Pine Prairie. The Bulldogs were able stay on track for a chance at the 5-3A crown with a 72-59 win over the Bears.
Ville Platte knew a fast start would be a key to victory, especially on the road. The Bulldogs got eight points from Alex Gooden, including two three-pointers, in the opening quarter to help propel them to that fast start. Church Point was able to score 10 points in the period. However, Ville Platte took the early 16-10 lead as the first quarter came to a close.
Church Point did everything they could to get back into the ballgame in the second period. The Bears netted 18 points in the quarter. The Bulldogs kept pace, scoring 15 points in the stanza. As the first half ended, Ville Platte had their lead cut down to three 31-28.
The third quarter was the closest of the whole game. Church Point and Ville Platte took turns knocking down baskets throughout the period. When the dust settled in the quarter, the Bulldogs had squeaked out a two-point advantage over the Bears and led 46-44.
With Church Point breathing down their neck, Ville Platte needed to kick it into a higher gear in the final period. The Bulldogs began to heat up on the offensive side of the court. Gooden once again found his stroke, scoring 12 of Ville Platte’s 26 fourth quarter points. The Bears could not keep pace, only scoring 15 points in the stanza. When the final buzzer sounded, Ville Platte had earned the 13-point victory.
Leading the scoring for the Bulldogs was Gooden, who poured in 27 points. Darren Poullard chipped in 10 points.
With the win, Ville Platte moves to 17-11 on the season and 7-2 in district play. The Bulldogs will host Northwest on Tuesday in the final regular season game.