EPHRATA — The Tigers boys basketball team nearly pulled off a repeat of their Jan. 6 overtime win against East Valley when Caiden Weber drilled a three-pointer with 37 seconds left to give Ephrata a 50-49 lead. But the visitors answered with a bucket and free throws down the stretch to steal a 54-50 win from the Tigers on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Ephrata trailed 27-12 at the half after a rough four-point second quarter but stormed back in the third period, outscoring the Red Devils 18-8.

Wyatt Schluckebier scored six in the quarter, including a steal and resulting fast break bucket. Weber knocked down a three and hit a free throw. Levi Wilson added a three of his own, and Brice Strickler's two points in the paint plus a free throw helped the Tigers cut the lead to 35-30 heading into the fourth.

The comeback continued in the final period. Brady Hendrick and Wilson traded baskets to keep Ephrata within striking distance, and Cody Ogle drained a three to pull the Tigers within two at 49-47. Weber then stole the ball and buried a go-ahead three to put Ephrata up 50-49 as the clock wound down.

But East Valley responded with a field goal to retake the lead at 51-50. After an Ephrata turnover, the Red Devils sealed the win with three additional free throws.

Hendrick led the Tigers with 14 points on seven field goals, added eight rebounds and two assists. Wilson finished with 12 points, hitting a pair of threes, and grabbing three steals.

Other contributers: Weber had seven points that included two 3-pointers plus three assists and three steals. Schluckebier scored six on three-of-eight shooting with three assists and two steals. Ogle added eight points and Strickler chipped in three. Benson Bair grabbed five boards and dished two assists.

 ELLENSBURG — Feeling right at home, Ellensburg's Bulldogs built a 30-18 halftime lead and pulled away in the third quarter to hand Ephrata a 63-44 road loss on Friday, Jan. 30.

Hendrick kept the Tigers in it early, scoring all 18 of Ephrata's first-half points. He had six in the first quarter, including back-to-back buckets to tie the game at 6-6. He caught fire in the second period with three more buckets — two from beyond the arc, assisted by Black and Wilson — before the Bulldogs went up 30-18 at the break.

The Bulldogs continued to expand their lead in the third, outscoring Ephrata 19-14 to build a 49-32 advantage. Late buckets by Strickler and Black and a free throw by Black helped spark Ephrata, but Ellensburg had an answer every time.

The Tigers continued to grind away in the final period, led by Strickler, who scored on a pair of free throws and a two-pointer while dishing out an assist and coming up with a steal. Weber also contributed four points, but the deficit was too steep.

Hendrick led all Tigers with 24 points,shooting nearly 60% from the field including two threes, and going 2-for-4 from the line. In a strong outing, he also grabbed six rebounds and added two assists and two steals. Black tallied four points aloing with six rebounds, five assists, a block and a steal. And Weber finished with eight points, including a three, and five rebounds.

Strickler had six points that included two free throws, plus three steals and an assist. Wilson contributed three assists, a block and a steal. Ogle pulled down seven rebounds. Schluckebier scored two points with four rebounds.

With the two losses, Ephrata fell to 2-13 in the CWAC standings. Quincy and East Valley both have four league wins with only one regular season game remaining, meaning Ephrata's loss to East Valley effectively eliminated the Tigers from district contention. Even a win in Friday's finale against Toppenish won't be enough to climb out. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Toppenish. 

CWAC Scoreboard: Friday, Jan. 30 Othello 65, Selah 85 | Ephrata 44, Ellensburg 63 | Grandview 53, Toppenish 43 | Quincy 61, East Valley 68
Tuesday, Feb. 3 Prosser 36, Selah 59 | Ellensburg 68, Othello 71 | East Valley 54, Ephrata 50 | Toppenish 96, Quincy 93