Bowling Greens Drew Krutza and Barren Countys David Byrd scramble for a loose ball during their game Friday night at BGHS. Photo by Clinton Lewis

Bowling Green center Tyler Ray hadnt even attempted a 3-pointer this season, but he picked the perfect time to swish one. Ray prevented overtime as he canned a contested 3-pointer from near the peak of the 3-point arc with three seconds remaining, lifting the Purples to a 46-43 victory over Barren County on Friday at BGHS.It felt good when it left and I really knew it was going to go in, Ray said. I can hit them in practice but just havent done it in a game. Although Ray was the player BGHS coach Aaron Beth wanted taking the final shot, Beth had hoped Ray would get closer to the hoop. Following a timeout with just under 30 seconds remaining, Bowling Green held for the final shot. Ray eventually took possession beyond the 3-point line and attempted to drive toward the hoop. But Barrens defense forced Ray to put up the long jumper and he delivered. We wanted to clear one side out and let him take it to the basket, Beth said. Well, it really didnt work out that way and he pulled up for the shot. It worked out well, but it wasnt exactly what we had in mind. Bowling Green overcame a 42-39 deficit with just under two minutes remaining. The Purples Brit Vincent and Curtis Hockersmith each split free throws, while Barren County missed 3-of-4 free-throw attempts. That allowed Vincent to tie the game at 43 on an offensive rebound and putback from Travis Burchs 3-point attempt. Barren Countys Joey Wilson then missed a 3-pointer with 48 seconds remaining, setting up Rays heroics. Ray finished with nine points and 16 rebounds. Not only was it a clutch victory for the Purples, but it was also an important win because many consider Barren County the No. 2 team in the Fourth Region; the Trojans entered with a nine-game winning streak and only one loss on their record. To be able to pull out a win like this is huge, Beth said. Im just extremely excited about this win. Its the first game weve had come down to a final possession and its important to pull wins like this out. The Purples (12-4) can thank their defense for knocking off Barren County (10-2). Both teams had horrible shooting nights as they combined for nine whopping second-half field goals. The Trojans had only four second-half field goals and hit only five shots from inside the 3-point line. The Purples also shutdown former teammate David Byrd. The junior guard transferred from BGHS to Barren County after last season and look destined to torch his old school following a trio of first-quarter 3-pointers. But Byrd wouldnt hit another field goal after the first quarter and finished with 15 points. Burch led the Purples with 13 points and Vincent added nine. We came out with the win because we played good, solid defense and rebounded the basketball, Beth said. When your offense isnt going, you can still playing good defense and have a chance. Both teams return to action Tuesday as Barren County plays at Warren Central and the Purples travel to Ohio County. Barren County 15 12 5 11-43Bowling Green 8 14 11 13-46Barren County (43) – Byrd 15, Wilson 10, Spillman 8, Smith 3, Morgan 2, Jones 2, Peters 2, Mitchell 1Bowling Green (46) – Burch 13, Ray 9, Vincent 9, Todd 7, Krutza 4, Gatewood 2, Hockersmith 1, Blann 1Barren County 43, Bowling Green 37 (girls)Just like Fridays weather, Bowling Green had a frigid shooting night and fell 43-37 to visiting Barren County. The Lady Purples shot just under 30 percent from the field and missed 24 shots attempts in the paint, which led to their demise. We just didnt shoot the ball very well, Bowling Green coach Jason Kupchella said. I thought we played a very good game, our effort was there and we played hard but we just didnt shoot well. Bowling Greens defense stymied the Trojanettes in the first half as Barren County went scoreless for the first six minutes of the second quarter and trailed 18-17 at halftime. But superstar junior guard Patrika Barlow scored 17 of her 23 points in the second half as Western Kentucky womens basketball coach Mary Taylor Cowles watched from the stands. After Bowling Green took a 35-34 lead with 2:59 left in the game, Barlow hit a running jumper near the free-throw line to regain the lead for Barren County. The Trojanettes (11-4) would then score five consecutive points, capped by Piper Lindseys jumper with 1:32 remaining to put Barren up 41-35 and clinch the victory. Our defense is there and our offense will get there, Kupchella said. Im trying to keep our confidence up in these losses, because were getting better every single game. Well be ready by the district tournament. Cary Bell led Bowling Green (6-8) with 12 points and Keena Franklin added nine. Tenicia Sears also finished with 13 points for the Lady Purples. Barren County 13 4 14 12 – 43Bowling Green 12 6 11 8 – 37Barren County (43) – Barlow 23, A. Perkins 11, Lindsey 4, M. Perkins 3, Williams 2Bowling Green (37) – Bell 12, Franklin 9, Sears 6, McGill 6, Steelman 2, Larkin 2