Big Rapids capped off a strong 2nd half of the season last Friday with a statement win over the Grant Tigers: 56-35. 

This makes 5 in a row for Coach Ingles' Cardinals and 10 of their last 11 to end the regular season. Add in a season series sweep over the Coyotes and Big Rapids couldn't possibly feel better about tonight's Round 1 matchup with Reed City.

 

When the Coyotes hosted Big Rapids on January 11th it was tight. 54-50 final but if you watched or listened to the game it didn't seem as close as the score board displayed. Reed City only briefly led by 1 point twice in the 2nd quarter. The Cardinals lead was as much as 10 in the 3rd. They then survived the 4th getting outscored 18-13.

 

This turned a corner for Big Rapids. Since that night they're only lost 1 game at Fremont; 54-36.

 

Facing the Coyotes a second time was a much different affair for Big Rapids. February 15th Reed City came to Cardinal Country and failed to score a bucket until more than 12 minutes into the game. The Coyotes scored 6 points in the half. They followed that with 21 total points in the 2nd half. Cardinals completed the season sweep with a final of 43-27.

 

The Cardinals dominant defense, that didn't allow 50 points to 3 of the highest scoring offenses in the league during the final 2 weeks, is looking to again repeat their efforts at Ludington tonight in District 35 Round 1 Play.

 

Tipoff is at 6:00pm with the Big Rapids Public Schools Pre-Game on WBRN 1460, 107.7, & 96.5 with Bryan Fongers and J.T. Scarpelli on the call.

 

You can also stream the game via the Betten Baker Chevy Buick GMC Live Stream here!