Panthers outlast Bulldogs for win

PINE PRAIRIE — In an ever important game for both teams in terms of playoffs, the Pine Prairie Panthers held off a late run by the Ville Platte Bulldogs to claim a 79-70 district win.
Coming into the game, Pine Prairie was on the bubble for a playoff berth, sitting at the number 33 position in the latest LHSAA power rankings. A team must be in the top 32 to get into the playoffs.
“This was a huge win for us,” said Panther head coach Chris Guillory. “We needed this one to stay in the playoff hunt.”
Ville Platte was also needing the win to stay in the top 32 ranked teams. The Bulldogs came into the game at number 30.
“We are going to have to play lights out against Church Point Tuesday to secure a win and make sure we are in the top 32 teams,” stated Bulldog head coach Tommy Jones.
It was all Pine Prairie in the first half Friday night, as a buzzer beating lay-up by Vontrevis Thomas gave the Panthers a commanding 44-24 lead heading into the locker room.
However, Ville Platte refused to go away quietly into the night. Down two starters to illness and injury, the Bulldogs continued to chip away in the second half; especially in the final quarter.
With the Panthers leading 66-47 heading into the fourth quarter, Ville Platte slowly and methodically cut the Pine Prairie lead down to seven with only 1:23 left to play.
In the end, it was the Pine Prairie free throw game that capped the win for the Panthers, as they hit eight out of ten from the charity stripe in the final two minutes to seal the victory.
Pine Prairie moves to 13-8 on the year and 4-5 in district.
Ville Platte falls to 10-13 on the season and 3-6 in district competition.