Frankenmuth - Bridgeport had led at the end of three quarters and had the lead and slight control for most of those three quarters.  In basketball, at any level, it is the fourth quarter that makes the difference and in many cases, the final moments of the final period.  This game was no different.  Bridgeport was in danger of being behind in the final and most important quarter.  With 3:28 remaining in the game, Brad Redford hit a thunderous triple that sent the Eagles' faithful into a frenzy.  The basket put Muth up by 6 at 73-67, their largest lead of the game.  The Bearcats didn't crack under the pressure, instead they went on an 8-2 run to finish the game and win in dramatic fashion. 

The Bearcats struck back at the line with crucial makes at the charity stripe, an aspect that actually plagued them for most of the contest.  Jeremy Sewell hit two clutch free throws.  On the other end, Eric Nuechterlein went 1 for 2 at the line.  Joshua Barnes then brought Bridgeport within 2 at 74-72 after taking it to the rack, scoring and drawing the foul, which Barnes converted on.  Sewell hit another free throw to cut the lead to 1.  Back on the other end, at the line, Nuechterlein went 1 for 2 again, stretching the lead to just 2.  On the Eagles' last trip down the court, Frankenmuth had missed on a Golden opportunity.  The Eagles got out on a fast break with two players well ahead of the pack.  Both players got the opportunity to put in the lay-up but failed to convert. 

The last nine seconds of the game provided a finish that players and fans of both sides will remember for quite some time.  Bridgeport had the ball, down two and were moving the ball locking for the right opportunity.  With 9 seconds to go, Rahumus Wingard put up the tying attempt but it failed to drop.  As they had all game on the glass, the Bearcats were there for a bonus attempt.  Josh Barnes was there this time to put it back home and nod it up at 75.  As Frankenmuth tried to inbound the ball, it became loose and their was a mad dash for it.  The Bearcats' Bryson Ruffin got a hold of it and tossed it to Wingard sitting underneath the rim, who then put the lay-up home for the game winner and the end to a back and forth grudge match.  The Eagles looked upon the scene in disbelief as the Bearcat fans rushed the court to embrace their victors.  It was one of those games where you hate to see either side loose but it came down to players making plays on the court and not a call or mistake.

The game started off with a bang for Bridgeport as they roared to an 11-1 lead.  The Eagles answered right back as soon as they settled down a little with a 12-4 run of their own.  After 1 quarter of play, it was the Bearcats by 4 at 19-15.  Redford had yet to make a shot but was a perfect 4-4 from the line.  That changed immediately entering the 2nd quarter of play where Redford struck first, cutting the lead to 2.  4 more Redford points and a Bernthal basket later had the Eagles up 23-21 with their first lead since being up 1-0.  Da'Marko Johnson then struck back for the Cats, hitting from beyond the arch to reclaim the lead.  The lead changed 8 more times after that, with the Cats up by 1 at the break, 36-35.  Redford was in double figures but had managed to make just three field goals.  The pressure on Brad had allowed his teammates to shine and step up to the plate.

The third quarter was more of the same, with lead changes and different players making plays on both sides of the court.  Just when it had seemed one team may get in a groove and make a run towards breathing room, the other team would respond to tighten things up.  Wingard put his team back out in front with just a few minutes to play in the period with a beautiful score and foul.  After Wingard had hit the free throw, the Bearcats were up 52-50.  Another huge play came for the Bearcats when Calvin Green grabbed an offensive rebound with under 10 seconds to play to put them up 57-55 at the intermission. 

Not to disappoint, the fourth and final quarter followed suit.  We saw Bridgeport go on a 5-0 run to go up 65-60.  Then Frankenmuth hit back with a 13-2 run, leaving it at 73-67 before the amazing sequence of events took place in favor of the visiting Cats. 

The difference in this game other that Lady Luck playing both sides was the height and length of Bridgeport.  They filled the lanes quite well and caused problems that resulted in turnovers for the Eagles all evening.  It didn't stop Frankenmuth from giving 110% however.  The Eagles got their fair share of offensive rebounds and 2nd chance points. 

The Eagles will have one week off to get ready for North Branch next Friday.  Sometimes it is the worst thing that can happen after dropping a tight one.  Most players will tell you that they want to get out on that court and right the wrongs as soon as possible.  However, these Eagles have faced two of the best teams that they will face all season and are due for some rest.  Bridgeport on the other hand heads to Nouvel next Tuesday, another quality Mid-Michigan opponent.  Mark your calendars for January 30th folks.  These two squads will square off in what should be a fantastic rematch in Bridgeport.