GOWANDA — The Gowanda Panthers claimed their first victory of the year over the Cattaraugus Little Valley Timberwolves 51-41 on Thursday night. “It was an exciting game from the start,” stated Gowanda coach Christian Barczykowski. “It was a battle all game long. Some key plays late went out way. Nothing but pride for this team.”

Both teams got off to a quick start as Gowanda scored a quick basket out of the gate. The Timberwolves responded with a three point shot. The teams played fast paced and a three pointer put the Panthers up 9-6. The Timberwolves continued to apply pressure and a late three put them up 15-13 after one quarter.

The second quarter continued with the Timberwolves getting opportunities with effective passing. They forced many turnovers, but could not take complete advantage of that. The Panthers ended the scoring drought with two baskets late in the final minute of the half to tie the game at 21.

Nick Savidge hit an early three for the Panthers in the third. The Timberwolves would go up six when Savidge got the offensive rebound from his missed three and found Josh Halterman in the corner for a three. “Nick always hustles around the court,” stated Timberwolves coach Josh Forster. “He is a great leader and makes a lot happen with his effort.” Gowanda got within two at the end of the quarter as Tyee Nagel made a layup in transition to beat the buzzer. According to Barczykowski, “We played physical and executed. We showed that we understood situational play as they did what I asked of them. This type of play shows that we are growing.”

Gowanda added two early baskets and reclaimed the lead early in the fourth. Kordell Oakes basket gave the Timberwolves a brief lead. Gowanda was able to beat the full court press late in the game and finished on an 11-0 run over the last two minutes to secure the victory. “They seemed ready to play and we were not,” stated Forster. “We showed a lack of discipline towards the end when passing.”

Nagel led the Panthers with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Adam Golden finished with eight points and five rebounds while Josh Ondus tallied 10 points and six steals.

Kordell Oakes finished with 13 points for the Timberwolves while Halterman chipped in with 12 points.

The Timberwolves look to get back to winning ways on Monday when they go to Cassadaga Valley while Gowanda hosts Forestville on Tuesday.