COTTAGE GROVE – It was sweet revenge for the Sutherlin girls basketball team on Tuesday night, but it was anything but easy.
The Lady Bulldogs knocked off Cottage Grove 32-31 on the road to clinch at least a tie for the Sky-Em League title. Sutherlin now just needs to beat last place Sweet Home Friday night at home to clinch their sixth straight league title.
Sutherlin trailed 12-7 after a quarter, but outscored the Lions 14-3 in the second period to take a 21-15 halftime lead. Cottage Grove battled back to cut the deficit down to three by the end of the third quarter and the Bulldogs struggled to pull away in the final period.
Sutherlin led 32-28 in the final half minute, but Cottage Grove’s Hannah Albrecht hit a field goal and was fouled. She nailed the free throw for a three-point play to make the score 32-31.
The Lions got a look at a half court shot at the horn, but Sutherlin managed to escaped with the win..
Sutherlin was led by Taylor Stricken with 16 points, including two 3-pointers, and Harlee Baker had eight with one three-pointer.
The Lady Bulldogs finish the season at home on Friday night against the winless Sweet Home Huskies. A victory will give Sutherlin the top-seed from the Sky-Em League for the state playoffs.