NEDERLAND — The Nederland Bulldogs were playing good basketball and then Tuesday happened against the Central Jaguars.
The Bulldogs (20-10, 6-4) come into tonight’s game against the Port Neches-Groves Indians (14-9, 6-4) riding a two-game losing streak against two of the state’s best Class 5A teams, Central and Ozen.
The Ozen lose was painful but Nederland did take the Panthers into overtime before falling 79-76.
Central really put a hurt on Nederland, 66-39, at Jaguars Gym.
“We had been playing some good basketball,” Nederland coach Brian English said. “We didn’t play very well. It has been a long time since we didn’t play well so I guess we were due. We have to put that one behind us in a hurry. Hopefully, we can put that one behind us on Friday.”
English put an emphasis on ‘in a hurry’ because the Indians have been the surprise of District 22-5A so far this season.
The Bulldogs defeated the Indians, 55-45, on Jan. 12. PN-G, Nederland and Baytown Lee are tied for third in the district standings. The Indians are coming off a 49-30 thumping of Lumberton and a 47-44 win over Goose Creek Memorial.
“PN-G is a good basketball team,” English said. “They are a very smart basketball team. I know they are going to be ready and I think our kids will be too. The Indians play hard and they are playing well. We are going to have to be ready.”
The Bulldogs play the Ganders next Tuesday and then finish the regular season against two of the district’s bottom teams — Goose Creek and Lumberton.
A win tonight against the Bulldogs would be huge for the Indians considering PN-G faces Ozen Tuesday and Central next Friday. The Indians finish the regular season against Vidor on Feb. 16.
“We know we are going into a hostile environment,” PN-G coach Pat Abel said. “Our kids have achieved some of their goals this season but their ultimate goal is to get into the playoffs. We still have four games left and we are happy but not satisfied.”
Abel said his team has to concentrate on not turning the ball over and playing sound defense against a very talented Nederland roster.
“The minute we get sloppy with the ball and don’t play defense, Nederland will take advantage of that,” Abel added. “Even though the game is on the road, we are confident we can go over there and give them a good game.”