Crimson Open Season with Loss to Buffalo, 65-55.

The Maple Grove Crimson Boys basketball team started off their season with a cold shooting performance in a 65-55 loss to Buffalo.  The Crimson fell behind 11-4, and went 0-6 from the field.  At 5:40 left in the half, Brycen Wojta took a pass from Grant Kaufman and hit a three to give the Crimson their only lead at 14-13.  Halftime found the Crimson down 22-16 to the host Bison. 

Things didn’t get better in the second half as the visitors missed their first three shots and allowed Buffalo a number of second shots.  Buffalo led 37-20 at one point, until the Crimson slowly crept back into the game.  Elliot Kane’s pair of 3pt FGs and a trapping defense allowed the Crimson to narrow the margin to 43-38 with 4:30 to play.  The Crimson were in the bonus for most of the second half, but couldn’t cash in from the free throw line.  They had a chance to catch up with clock stopped, but they missed  4 of 6 FT attempts during this key time.  On the other hand, Buffalo was able to control the ball down the stretch and made their free throws to secure the ten point win.

The Crimson will have a chance to bounce back on Thursday against Park Center in their first home game.