By Tiffany L. Rehbein
The Chinook Sugarbeeters advanced to the divisional tournament as the No. 4 seed after losing to the Harlem Wildcats 58-52 during the consolation game Saturday at Malta.
"Overall, we were pleased to be able to play well enough to advance to the divisional tournament next weekend," Chinook head coach Mark Roseberry said. "When our leadership stepped up with the needed intensity, the entire team effort was impressive."
The Sugarbeeters defeated Harlem 59-38 during the opening round on Thursday to advance to the semifinal game against host Malta on Friday.
Scott Friede had a game-high 18 points in the win, while Adam Gibson added 13 for Chinook.
Troy Omsberg had 12 rebounds in the contest.
Chinook fell to Malta 57-39 during the semifinal game on Friday.
Friede again was the high point man with 12 on the night.
Chinook defeated Glasgow 61-44 in loser-out action on Saturday morning.
Gibson poured in 21 points in the victory, while Kalled Jaha added 16 in the win.
Omsberg had 10 rebounds and Jaha tore down seven in the contest.
Harlem collected its first win of the season over Chinook on Saturday night with the victory.
Mason Roseberry had 13 points and Friede added 12 in the effort.
Omsberg had 10 rebounds in the game.
"Of course, we were not happy with the final outcome of the consolation game against Harlem, but we five them credit," Roseberry said. "They were ready, and took control of the first half. The 'Beeters were more disciplined in the second half and climbed back into the game, but the hole we created in the first half was a bit too deep."
Both Harlem and Chinook will advance to the divisional tournament this weekend.
Wolf Point knocked off Malta for the first-place seed out of the District 2B.
