GERING – The Bridgeport girls and boys basketball teams picked up a pair of hard-fought road wins Tuesday night at Gering. The girls game produced 155 total points in a game that wasn’t decided until late in the fourth quarter, with Bridgeport escaping with an 83-72 win. Bridgeport, who never trailed in the boys game, could not pull away in a 66-65 win over a stubborn Gering team.

Behind its trademark scrapping defense, and 14 first quarter points from senior Tacey From, Bridgeport led 19-17 at the end of the opening period. Bridgeport’s pressure took its toll in the second quarter, holding Gering to only nine points while posting 23 points for a 42-26 halftime lead.

Gering came out on fire in the third period, going on a 19-2 run to take a 45-44 lead. Bridgeport steadied the ship to regain the lead 54-51 heading into the final stanza. The two teams combined to score 50 points in the fourth quarter. Every time Gering made a run, Bridgeport had an answer and pulled away late for the 83-72 win.

The teams combined for 54 made field goals and shot a total of 54 free throws in the game. Each team had four players finish in double figures. Bridgeport was led by Tacey From’s 31 points. Ella Schluterbusch tallied 15 points while Olivia Brown added 14. Elizabeth Velasquez chipped in 10 points in the win. Gering was led by Keirra Baard’s 25 points. Makenzie Todd scored 14 points and Jacey Cochran finished with 13 points while Aubrey Anderson contributed 11 points.

The Bridgeport boys bolted to an 18-13 first quarter lead behind 10 points from junior Gage Nein. Behind sophomore Landon Dean’s eight second quarter points, Bridgeport was able to stretch their lead to double-digits by halftime, 37-27.

Gering sophomore Ryland Ray’s sparked Gering’s comeback with 10 third quarter points to cut the Bridgeport lead to 52-47 heading into the final period. Bridgeport maintained their advantage through the final quarter, surviving a late Gering flourish to win 66-65

Gage Nein led all scorers with 29 points while teammate Landon Dean added 20 points for Bridgeport. Gering had four players score in double figures led by Ryland Ray’s 19 points. Gage Ruzicka finished with 17 points while Max Judy added 13 points. Jack Maser chipped in 11 points for Gering.