Ishpeming, MI – Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019 – Both the Ishpeming Hematite boys basketball team and the Hancock Bulldogs were having a tough start to the year. However, Ishpeming was coming off two straight wins, and they were looking to add to their win streak. As always, Tyler Young and Bob Nadeau were live on 98.3 WRUP to broadcast all the action to you!
The Ishpeming Hematites flew out of the gate in the first quarter against the Bulldogs, and after just two minutes of play, they led 7-2. In order to stop the Hematites’ scoring run, Hancock was forced to burn one of their timeouts, but it was ineffective in stopping Ishpeming, who soon led 12-2. With three minutes left in the first quarter, the score was 14-5, still in favor of the Hematites. Late in the first, Hancock was forced to use their second timeout after Ishpeming’s lead surpassed 15 points.
First Quarter Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 24
Hancock Bulldogs: 6
Holding a significant advantage going into the second quarter, the Ishpeming Hematites began to have
trouble with the Bulldogs’ offense. The score was 26-13 two minutes in, and Ishpeming chose to use their first timeout of the game to get their defense together. The game evened-out as the second quarter passed the midway point, and each team was able to answer any scoring from the opposing team. As the first half ended, the Ishpeming gym was unusually quiet, with the Hematites realizing that the game was far from over.
First Half Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 39
Hancock Bulldogs: 22
Looking to build on their lead, the Ishpeming Hematite boys came out of the locker room on fire, extending their lead to 45-26 just minutes into the third. Hancock’s defense kicked into gear as the quarter neared the halfway mark, but the Hematites already had three players in double-digits for scoring. Any effort on their part seemed to be too late to swing the game in the Bulldogs’ favor. The score was 49-32 after a smooth layup from Ishpeming with three minutes left in the third, and they would take the lead going into the final quarter of play.
Third Quarter Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 58
Hancock Bulldogs: 41
Only having to hang on for one more quarter, the Ishpeming Hematites had a firm grasp on their game against the Hancock Bulldogs. Action was quiet in the fourth quarter, with both teams adding less than ten points to their total as the clock ticked under four minutes left in the game. 67-48 was the score with three minutes, and the Hancock Bulldogs started to use their fouls as they sensed the game slipping further and further away. Even though Hancock gave it their best shot, Ishpeming held on to enter their locker room as the victor.
Final Game Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 76
Hancock Bulldogs: 48
Listen LIVE – The Ishpeming Hematites face the Hancock Bulldogs in Ishpeming on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019 on 98.3 WRUP.mp3