WARDEN - The Cougars took one on the chin at home Saturday, dropping a high scoring contest to Riverside Christian 65-58.

Sophomore Jeremy Brown had a break out game to lead the way for Warden with 15 points, going 4-of-4 from the 3-point line. Unfortunately for Warden, his effort wasn't enough to secure a win as the team lost by seven points.

"We faced a tough opponent Saturday boasting a 9-2 record," coach Wes Richins said. "We felt we had the game plan to beat them, but just couldn't get the defensive stops down the stretch and missed too many opportunities."

The teams played even ball in the first half of action as the Cougars took a 32-31 lead at intermission. Warden out scored Riverside 13-11 in the third quarter, but a 23-13 fourth was the Cougars undoing as Warden lost the contest 65-58.

Garritt Marks played big down low for the Cougars, scoring 12 points and hauling in eight rebounds. Trent Bates added 11 points and seven boards in the losing effort.

"Our defense let us down tonight as Riverside scored too easily and we were caught out of position," Richins said. "But we still had a chance near the end. However, costly free throw shooting hurt us. I was pleased with the way we battled, we are making strides as we to prepare for the back stretch of our season and figure to surprise some people."

The loss drops Warden to 3-2 in league play and 5-7 overall. The Cougars traveled to Entiat last night, but the results were not available at press time. Warden plays host to Kittitas Friday. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.

KITTITAS - Victor Flores scored 25 points and had 10 steals to led the Warden Cougars to a hard fought 48-40 road win against Kittitas Jan. 10.

"Victor made some huge plays, that sparked us on to the win," Richins said. "Every time Kittitas started to make a run he made things happen." 

The game got off to slow start for Warden as the team fell behind 14-10 at the of the first quarter of action.

But the Cougars were able to make up ground to take a 23-21 lead into the locker room at the half.

The second half scoring was just as close as both teams fought tooth-and-nail to get the upper hand. When the final buzzer sound, the Cougars had come out the victor, 48-40.

"Kittitas has always been a hard place for us to play ... it was great to get out of there with a league victory," Richins said. "We figure we'll be battling with them for position in the upcoming district tournament."

The win improved the Cougars record to 3-1 in the 2B Central Washington Conference and 5-6 overall.