BAKER — Pendleton challenged Baker all night long, but a poor performance from the free-throw line helped the No. 2 Bulldogs to a 55-48 win over the Bucks on Thursday in the Greater Oregon League opener for both teams at Warberg Court.
“The girls took another good step forward tonight,” Pendleton coach Tim Foster said. “Baker is a good basketball team and they’re ranked No. 2 for a reason. We put ourselves in a good position to get the win, but couldn’t close it out this time.”
Jaxyn Ramos scored nine of her 19 points in the first quarter as Baker (12-3 overall, 1-0 GOL) took a 20-13 lead after the first quarter, then led a 13-10 run in the second for a 33-23 lead at the half.
Each team scored 12 points in the third, but the Bucks left points on the table as they converted just 6 of 11 free throws.
Pendleton (6-8, 0-1) outscored the Bulldogs 13-10in the fourth, but it wouldn’t be enough.
For the game, the Bucks were 17 of 32 from the free-throw line in a loss that was decided by seven points.
“Everyone gave a great effort and left it on the floor,” Foster said.”Khim (Scott)and Presley (Greenwalt) were able to get it going on offense and (Katelyn) Boatman was a good physical presence against their bigs. If we shoot a little better at the line, maybe we finish it off, but we’ll have another shot or two to get them.”
Scott led the Bucks with 19 points, while Greenwalt had 15 and Rylee Jackson seven.
Molly Rasmussen added 10 points for the Bulldogs, while Gwen Rasmussen chipped in eight.
