Bulldogs lose to Platte-Geddes

Posted on Monday, January 26, 2009

For the first time this season, the Madison boys basketball team lost a game. The top-ranked Bulldogs were upset by fourth-ranked Platte-Geddes 64-59 at the Hanson Boys Basketball Classic Saturday night in Mitchell.

Led by All-State forward Keith Cutler, the Black Panthers jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first half, building up a 38-24 halftime lead. Madison head coach Mike Ricke says it was a disappointing first half.

Platte-Geddes surged ahead to take an 18-point lead early in the second half, only to have Madison rally late in the game. Coach Ricke says a big reason for the comeback was Madison re-establishing its inside game.

The Bulldogs pulled within one, but late free throws by Cutler iced the game for the Panthers as they improved to 8-2 on the season. Tony Fiegen led all scorers with 19 points and 8 rebounds as the Bulldogs fell to 10-1 on the season. Knology Player of the Game Chad White had 14 second-half points to finish with 16, while Derrick Wiebe added 11 points and 7 rebounds. Four players scored in double-digits for Platte as Cutler scored 17, followed by Jordan Johnson with 11.

Madison looks to get back in the win column Tuesday night when it takes on new conference rival Harrisburg. Tip-off from Harrisburg will be at 7:30.