Bulldogs Shock Oakdale 86-74 with Explosive 4th Quarter

By Terry Futrell – December 4, 2018

The Wartburg Central Bulldogs were down by 11 going into the 4^th quarter against Oakdale Tuesday evening when they found the hyperdrive gear in their transmission. The Bulldogs scored 37 points in the 4^th quarter while Oakdale could only muster 14, giving Wartburg an 86-74 victory over the Eagles.

The lead had changed several times through the first three quarters.  Oakdale was up by 5 after one. Wartburg took the lead at 42-38 at the half. Wartburg could only score seven points in the third, which gave Oakdale a 60-49 lead after three. At this point, Coach Joe Layne obviously waved his magic wand and the Bulldogs went on a terror, shocking the district-leading Eagles with a scoring performance likely never seen in these parts.

Thirty-seven points in eight minutes – even the pros don’t do that! Even more impressive, the Bulldogs did it without relying on 3-point shooting, scoring only one 3-pointer during the assault. Instead, Wartburg used a pressure defense that caused several turnovers by the Eagles and that set the stage for an aggressive fast-paced offense. The Bulldogs scored nine 2-point shots in the 4^th quarter, along with 16 free throws. Colby Justes connected on one 3-pointer, one 2-pointer, and was six-for-six from the free throw line, scoring 11 of his 20 points in the 4^th quarter onslaught.

Meanwhile, the Eagles connected on only four 2-point shots, one 3-pointer, and were three-of-six from the free throw line.

The loss by Oakdale sends shockwaves through District 3-1A and makes it very clear that several teams will be competing for the district title. In addition to Oakdale, other contenders include Wartburg, Harriman, Oneida, and Sunbright. On a given night, any of these teams could beat any other. There is perhaps more parity among schools in the district this year than at any time in recent years.

Oakdale hosts Sunbright on December 7, while Wartburg travels to Oliver Springs.

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