Basketball: Frustration continues for Jefferson after losing on tip-in

Eleven days after falling to Jackson County, the Dragons (6-5, 1-1) lost 55-53 on a buzzer-beating tip-in to Paideia in the opening round of the Westminster Holiday Classic.

Jefferson coach Bolling DuBose didn’t mince words.

“We played terribly,” he said. “We’re not a very good team right now.”

David Watson and Austin Thompson each scored 10 points to lead the struggling Dragons.

DuBose said his team “stood around” in the third quarter and fell behind 44-39 heading into the fourth quarter. Jefferson opened up the final period with a 12-0 run, but scored just two points in the last 4:30.

Jefferson’s Bryant Shirreffs tied the contest at 53 with a minute left, but Paideia held for the final shot.

The Pythons missed their initial attempt and two subsequent tip-in attempts before the third hung on the rim as the buzzer sounded and fell in.

The Dragons were slated to play today (Wednesday) at 1:30 p.m. against either Brookstone or Westminster. Jefferson closes the tournament Thursday. The Dragons play Hart County Jan. 4.