NEDERLAND — Turn out the lights on the Bulldog Classic drought for Nederland.
The host Bulldogs made history in the 45th edition of the tournament by winning it for the first time.
Nederland beat previously unbeaten Beaumont Kelly, 66-44, behind another stellar performance from tournament MVP Jase Miguez. He scored 15 points in the championship game.
The host Bulldogs (9-4) forced Kelly (10-1) to turn the ball over 18 times, and Nederland outrebounded the visitors 24-13.
Kelly defeated Nederland, 56-53, to open the basketball season.
It was sweet revenge for coach Brian English who celebrated the tournament championship he has waited on after 10 years of coaching at Nederland, on top of playing for the Bulldogs in high school.
“It has been 45 years of waiting,” English said. “This group has some intensity and really wanted it. They deserve it and it is games like the one earlier that prepare you for things we want to try and do this year.”
Nederland and Kelly traded baskets to open the game, and then it was all home team Bulldogs for the rest of the game.
Nederland untied the game with a 14-0 run and led 16-5 after the first period.
Nederland then outscored Kelly 23-13 in the second to lead 39-18 at the break. Kelly only scored 10 points in the third as Nederland held a 50-28 advantage heading into the game’s final eight minutes.
Kelly won the fourth, 16-15.
All-Tournament selection Kevin Howard had 14 points and four rebounds, and Darrell Jones put in six for Nederland. Jones was also named to the All-Tournament team.
Adrian Nelson came off the bench for Nederland and scored 14 points and Garrett Ary added five points and five rebounds.
Ary said the key to Nederland’s success was very simple after taking a moment to celebrate the historic win.
“It is a great feeling,” Ary said. “I am proud of my team. Our energy made the difference. We all played defense and we knocked down shots. We came into the championship game with the right mindset. They had beat us before and we wanted to get them back.”
John Kraemer had 14 points for Kelly, and teammate Cannon Broussard finished with 13. Tevin Baker added 10 points for Kelly.
Nederland returns to action at the Dog Dome on Tuesday against West Orange-Stark.

Nederland 66, Alvin 59
Nederland had to win by six over Alvin earlier Saturday to reach the tournament championship.
The Bulldogs defeated the Yellow Jackets 66-59 in a thrilling finish.
Nederland was up only five with 26.1 left on the clock. English called a timeout with his team ahead to draw up a play. The play worked as Miguez hit a shot to put Nederland ahead 64-57.
Alvin then missed a field goal attempt and Howard grabbed the rebound and was fouled with 6.6 ticks left. Howard hit both free throws to give the Bulldogs the perfect cushion of nine points at 66-57.
Alvin’s Savion Flagg then drove the length of the court and scored a layup to make the final score.
Flagg finished with 36 points.
Miguez had 20 for the Bulldogs and Darrell Jones added 16 and Howard had 10 and Adrian Nelson finished with 14 points.

Woodville 60, PN-G 54
The Port Neches-Groves Indians fought back from a 15-point fourth quarter deficit but dropped a 60-54 defeat to Woodville on Saturday.
The Indians got 20 points and 11 rebounds from Ryan Abel and Julius Midkill led the Eagles with 20 points.
PN-G was up 10-7 after the first period and trailed 22-18 at the break.
Woodville led 41-29 going into the fourth. PN-G erupted for 25 points in the game’s final 8 minutes, but it would not be enough for the victory.
The Indians play host to Bridge City on Tuesday.