GIRLS HOOPS: Orient-Macksburg edges Murray in regional opener

February 14, 2024 at 12:43 pm CST

O-M senior Kinsey Eslinger looks to in-bound the ball against the Murray defense in a regional game at Orient last Thursday, Feb. 8. (Caleb Nelson)

Orient-Macksburg senior Kinsey Eslinger hit a half dozen 3-pointers and scored 22 points. Sophomore forward Emma Boswell scored 13 and grabbed 16 rebounds as the Bulldogs beat Murray 45-41 at home Thursday, Feb. 8 to start Class 1A regional girls basketball action.

The Bulldogs found themselves down 14-11 at the end of the first quarter and trailed 24-18 at halftime.

Two of Eslinger’s long range buckets and one each from Marissa Cass and Boswell came after the break.

Orient-Macksburg's Emma Boswell passes out of traffic against Murray Thursday, Feb. 8 in the opening round of the playoffs. (Caleb Nelson)

The Bulldogs got the lead back to 32-31 at the end of the third quarter and never trailed after that as the lead would grow to as many as seven.

Eslinger hit free throws with 2.6 seconds left to widen the lead again to four for the win.

Orient-Macksburg was 7 of 16 at the free throw line in the second half, but that was good enough when it mattered.

The Bulldogs won three of their last five games of the regular season, but had lost two straight coming into the playoffs.

The win Thursday allowed O-M (11-11) to advance and play at ninth-rated CAM (19-2) Tuesday night in Anita.

Caleb Nelson

Caleb Nelson has served as News Editor of the Adair County Free Press and Fontanelle Observer since Oct. 2017. He and his wife Kilee live in Greenfield. In Greenfield and the greater Adair County area, he values the opportunity to tell peoples' stories, enjoys playing guitar, following all levels of sports, and being a part of his local church.