STAMFORD — Merkel’s zone defense gave Holliday fits all evening Thursday, but the Badgers’ own struggles from the field and free-throw line forced them to play from behind throughout in a 52-43 area-round playoff loss at Bulldog Gym.
Coach B.C. Lee’s team limited Holliday to just 13 field goals, but they made just 11 of their own and missed three more free throws than the Eagles in three fewer attempts.
Despite that, Merkel had the deficit down to one possession on a pair of occasions in the second half, before their opponent eventually pulled away and sealed the win from the foul line.