PINE RIDGE - Chadron's height advantage and stellar free throw shooting down the stretch proved the difference in a 77-73 upset of previously undefeated Red Cloud in boys basketball action.
Chadron hit 11-of-13 free throws in the fourth quarter as Red Cloud struggled offensively, hitting only 5-of-16 field goals in the final quarter.
Chadron's Zach Bargen proved to have the touch from long distance. Bargen nailed six 3's and made four straight critical free throws in the fourth en route to a game-high 28 points.
Elliot Eliason dominated the inside for Chadron. The 6-foot-11 sophomore tallied a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Cody Rowes also recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.
Christian McGhee hit six 3's as the senior Crusader scored 23 points. Lester Gotheridge contributed 18 points. David Giago earned a double-double with 10 points and 11 caroms.
Red Cloud's defense didn't back down all night, as the Crusaders forced 20 turnovers and committed 12.
Chadron advances to 13-2 overall. Red Cloud moves to 13-1 overall. The Crusaders host rival Pine Ridge on Saturday.
