Though the object is to always win the next game, it's unrealistic for a team to set a goal of an undefeated basketball season. Knowing this, the Buckingham County High School boys basketball team has a more attainable goal. After the Knights lost to Cumberland last Friday, they were able to achieve it with a 62-52 home victory over Goochland on Tuesday night.

“You're going to lose a game here and there,” said BCHS head coach Russ Gowin, “but we really stress to our guys that we don't want to lose two-in-a-row. If you lose one, that's fine, let's work to get the next one. If you do that all year, it's a good chance that you'll end up having a pretty good year.”

The Knights shook off a slow start, clamped down on defense and won going away by outscoring the Bulldogs 19-6 in the fourth quarter.

“This was a big win for us, coming off the loss,” said Gowin. “It's important to not lose two-in-a-row, but with how this district is looking this year, we've got to win our home games.”

Buckingham trailed 21-15 at the end of the first quarter, and 36-33 at halftime. Nine second quarter points from Timmy Randolph helped keep the Knights within striking distance.

“I was a little concerned with our defense in the first half. Goochland shot the ball well, but we needed to tune some things up on the defensive end, and I was pleased that we were able to do that.”

Buckingham allowed just 15 points in the second half. Trailing 45-43 at the end of the third quarter, Buckingham hit some timely shots, as well as some timely free throws.

“We really didn't shoot the ball all that well on our free throws, but there was a stretch where we hit something like ten in a row in the fourth quarter. We were able to hit them when it most matters, but that's something we will have to improve on.

Tarian Ayers and Tariq Bartee scored six points apiece in the fourth quarter to help the Knights pull away for the ten-point victory.

Four Knights scored in double figures. Ayers led BCHS with a double-double of 15 points, and ten rebounds. Randolph chipped in 15 points, while Bartee scored 14 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Cam Johnson also posted a double-double of ten points and 11 rebounds. LA Briley scored seven, but had five assists and two steals.

CeJay Johnson led a balanced Goochland stat sheet with nine points.

Buckingham was scheduled to travel to Bluestone on Friday, and will travel to Amelia on Tuesday night.