NEWCASTLE – The Wheatland Bulldogs put together a solid offensive performance Friday, but failed to beat quadrant foe Newcastle, falling 49-41.

Wheatland struggled in the first quarter, going down 15-6. The Bulldogs put together a solid second quarter. At the half, they pulled to within three (22-19). In the third quarter, Wheatland’s big men were aggressive and gave the Doggies trouble inside.

Wheatland gained a second half lead for the first time in a month and were up 27-23 near the middle of the third quarter. Things turned tough for the Bulldogs with 9 consecutive personal fouls called against Wheatland sending the Doggies to the line where they regained the lead. Wheatland would again pull to within 2 scores but fell 48-41.

Clayton Iacovetto has been slow to get going this year but played his best game of the year with nine points including 3-for-6 from the free throw line, along with two boards and a steal. Leading scorer Trigg Peasley found his rhythm again and hit two three-pointers, finishing with 12 points and two rebounds. Cole Adams pulled down 10 rebounds and blocked two shots to go along with two points.

Wheatland continued to struggle at the foul line, going 3-for-10. Trevor Vaughn contributed 10 points, while Zac Gunter added six and Colton Caves kicked in two to complete the scoring. The trio of Vaughn, Gunter and Caves combined for five rebounds, nine assists, with six coming from Gunter, and a steal.

Wheatland continues to lead the state in defense, allowing only 38 points per game.  With new life on offense, the Bulldogs hope to pull an upset this weekend in a pair of home games against the Thermopolis Bobcats Friday and Worland Warriors Saturday.