HUXLEY — After leading for most of the game, Perry went scoreless in the final three minutes, allowing host Ballard to escape with a 45-42 win in a low-scoring, sloppily-played Raccoon River Conference tilt.
Perry (5-14, 3-9) held a 26-22 lead at the half but entered the final quarter facing a 36-33 deficit. The teams were tied, 40-all, with five minutes to play and again, at 42-all, with three minutes remaining.
Both teams struggled mightily at the foul line, with Ballard (7-11, 5-7) making only 2-of-8 while Perry was just 9-of-15. Missed opportunities late, poor shooting and turnovers kept the guests from scoring in the final three minutes, with the Bombers managing to scratch out three points to claim the win.
Connor Drew led the hosts with 12 points, with Trey Dummond adding eight points, and Chase Winterboer seven.
Connor Nielsen’s 14 points and 13 from Drew Levan led Perry, who had defeated Ballard, 74-59, Jan. 5. Rashon Ivory provided nine points and Tanner Duffy five, with a Michael Meyer free throw completing the Perry scoring list.
Perry visits Boone Tuesday and hosts Bondurant-Farrar Friday with a boys-only frosh/JV/varsity set Feb. 15 against visiting Creston completing the regular season for the Bluejays.
