Final per the update thread.

Not the Colonels' best effort, but we've seen countless teams over the years come in and struggle in that first game of the region. Thought Oldham looked tight -perhaps even playing not to lose - in the opening half, which ended with Woodford up 2.

 

Of course, you have to give the Jackets some credit. Thought they came out and executed a solid defensive plan early on. Oldham picked up several fouls in the first half - while Woodford stayed out of trouble - and some uneven play by Oldham gave Woodford the opening they needed.

 

Not that Oldham played horrible in the first half. The Colonels hit 50% from the floor. But the energy didn't seem to be there, and Woodford - the new kids on the block seeking to make a splash in their first ever 8th region tourney - took advantage. Hunter Penn was especially impressive in the first half; I thought he played the best half I had seen him play this year. He used his mobility, hustled to every loose ball, snagged rebounds, and hit shots. Even more impressively, he set up his teammates for scores.

 

But I also thought Oldham County came out of the locker room to start the second half with an obviously different attitude. The Colonels seemed to be much more relaxed and confident, and the offense started clicking more efficiently. Oldham only took 19 shots in the second half - but they made 11 of them. Senior point guard Stephen Votaw, and junior big men Xander Wagner-Rose and Tyler Slone combined for 8 of 11 shooting in the second half to propel the team.

 

At the end of the game, Oldham clearly had the fresher legs, and the Colonels hit 5 of their last 8 shots from the floor and 7 of their last 10 free throws to salt away the game.

 

Oldham wound up with very balanced scoring. Grant Gibson off the bench had 12; Sam Campbell 10; Xander Wagner-Rose 10; Stephen Votaw 9 and Tyler Slone 9.

 

Hunter Penn finished with 17 points to lead Woodford. Anthony Tabor finished with 11, but clearly was struggling tonight.

 

Oldham forced 19 turnovers.

 

CM