MOSES LAKE — The Warden Cougars boys basketball team rebounded from Monday night’s loss to the Moses Lake Christian Academy (MLCA) to defeat the Bridgeport Mustangs Tuesday night for third place at the MLCA Christmas Tournament.

The Warden offense shot only 32 percent from the field but managed to knock off Bridgeport thanks in part to a solid effort from the free-throw line. The Cougars finished the night 12-of-15 from the charity stripe, including 8-of-10 down the stretch and 7-of-8 in the game’s final minute to seal the victory.

Warden head coach Wes Richins said his team’s performance from the free-throw line made the difference in Tuesday night’s contest.

“I think it was huge,” he said. “We have been struggling as of late from the free-throw line.”

Warden and Bridgeport played close the entire game and despite Warden’s best efforts, the Cougars could not pull away from the Mustangs.

Richins said he was glad to see his team persevere against a tough Bridgeport team.

“Our kids need to be in these situations,” he said. “Shoot the ball with a little bit of pressure and the game on the line.”

Warden entered the holiday tournament with a 2-0 South Central Athletic Conference record and Richins said his team will need to win close games at the free-throw line to be competitive.

“This was a good game for us because it was a close game and we had to hit some free throws down the stretch to seal it,” he said.

Although his team earned its first victory following the holiday break, Richins said his team was not playing like he had hoped the would.

“We still have a (few) cobwebs up in the attic,” he said. “We still aren’t where we need to be.”

The Cougars head into 2009 with their conference schedule ahead of them.

Richins said if his team is to make a trip into the postseason, they still have some work to do. 

“We obviously need to get back into the gym and get our legs back,” he said.