NEW RICHLAND– Matt Carlson scored 23 points and the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Bulldogs missed a game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer as the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Panthers boys’ basketball team defeated the Bulldogs 52-49 Friday in New Richland.

The Bulldogs got a wide open look from the 3-point line, but the shot went long to secure the victory for the Panthers.

“The only reason we had a chance to win this game was because of our defense in the first half,” NRHEG coach Pat Churchill said. “If we let them get 25 or 30 points, we lose. But we dug in on defense even though our shots weren’t falling for us.”

Carlson had 23 points and scored 18 points on six 3-pointers.

Sam Lundberg had a team high nine rebounds, along with six points, seven steals and seven assists.

The Panthers, who have won five straight games, will be in action next Friday as they host No. 2-ranked Waterville-Elysian-Morristown.

NRHEG 52, JWP 49

JWP 19 30 – 49

NRHEG 15 37 – 52

NRHEG Scoring- Matt Carlson 23 points, Evan Ferber 9, Hunter Eustice 8, Sam Lundberg 6, Matt Nafe 4, Tyler Sorenson 1, Carter Tollefson 1.