The Cortland boys basketball team dominated Pulaski to earn its fourth straight win on Saturday, 55-30, at Cortland Jr./Sr. High School. The Purple Tigers leaned on their stout defense to get the victory and improve their record to 11-3.
Cortland controlled Saturday’s game from the start, leading 16-4 after the first and 30-11 at halftime. Despite struggling to box out and prevent offensive rebounds early, the Purple Tigers clogged the inside and forced Pulaski to shoot contested jumpers throughout the game. The defense deflected passes and forced turnovers, leading to easy transition buckets and opportunities at the foul line.
“This team is a really tough defensive matchup for all opponents I believe,” head coach Jeremy Milligan said. “When we are clicking defensively and supporting each other we’re tough and I was really proud of the guys.”
Tyler Thomas was the catalyst for the unit on Saturday, getting into passing lanes and creating havoc as Pulaski tried to enter the paint. Thomas had eight points, three on free throws that he earned with fast-break chances after a steal. He also took a charge midway through the fourth to cap off his effort.
“I do take pride in my defense and my hustle,” Thomas said. “I’ve been taking some charges these past couple games and it just shows you don’t have to be the most athletic guy on the court to give it your all on defense.”
In Thursday’s comeback win over Homer, Thomas took a charge late, a huge difference maker in a close game.
“Tyler’s just fantastic,” Milligan said. “The last several weeks, he’s elevated his game and he’s in a good headspace. He’s really been a big part of buying in on that defensive end.”
Owen Johnson led all scorers with 13 points, hitting three 3-pointers, two of them coming in the first quarter to help Cortland gain control of the game. Johnson has now hit double figures in four straight contests, all wins, and has hit at least once from deep in every game but one.
“I’d just say (I’m) just not forcing shots,” Johnson said. “Trying to give it up when there’s a better shot and then just knocking it down when I have the look. Staying consistent has been one of my main goals this season.”
Caden Albright added seven points, finishing third among Cortland’s scorers on Saturday. Other key contributors included Logan Toomey (six points), Zachary Muir (five points) and Iniko Abani (four points). Cal Albright and Owen Michales each had three points, connecting on 3-point shots, while Damauri Bell and Joel Carr each had two.
Cortland has four straight wins and six games remaining to get ready for postseason action, beginning with back-to-back matchups with division rival Solvay. With the cancellations that have occurred this year, the Purple Tigers will be playing their final six games in 14 days.
“I think this game gives us more momentum,” Johnson said. “We just have to stay consistent and keep playing Cortland basketball.”
“It’s going to be a test to our grit,” Thomas added. “I think we’ll be up to the challenge and have some momentum going into sectionals.”
Cortland will celebrate senior night at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, when Solvay comes to town.
