Elgin holds on for 60-50 win over Altus Bulldogs

ALTUS – Timely shooting and free throws propelled the Elgin Owls to a 60-50 season-opening win over the Altus Bulldogs Tuesday night.

The win wasn’t without its issues including foul trouble by Elgin big man Christian Reed and an injury to versatile guard Jake Lohman. With 21 points, Reed was Elgin’s leading scorer. He also contributed nine rebounds. Reed averaged 13 points and six rebounds a game last season as Elgin finished with a 9-14 record. Damien Callagy, a 6’0” senior, scored 15 points against the Bulldogs.

Elgin started the game with an 8-0 first period lead and a strong rebounding effort that kept Altus scoreless in the initial stanza. The lead bounced back and forth in the second half with both teams making scoring runs. At one point, Elgin scored eight unanswered points in the third period, but Altus retaliated with a scoring run of its own to lead in the fourth period.

However, free throws and an aggressive defense allowed the Owls to take the lead and hold it late in the fourth period.

“We played hard, and they did their job,” head coach Ryan Green said. “We started out pretty good but had some issues. We finally were able to clear that up. I’m happy with the win.”

Elgin played Oklahoma Christian Academy in the first round of the Boomerang Classic in Dale on Thursday. Results of that matchup were not available at press time.

An Elgin win would pit the Owls against the winner of the Dale-Santa Fe South game at 5:30 p.m. Friday. A loss would pit Elgin against the loser of the Dale-Santa Fe South game at 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Elgin continues its regular season schedule Tuesday, Dec. 13 by hosting Duncan followed by a road game at Newcastle on Dec. 16.