UMATILLA — A poor shooting fourth quarter translated to an opening season loss for La Grande as 3A Umatilla downed the Tigers, 42-35, on Wednesday, Nov. 29 in Umatilla.

After an opening 12-point first quarter, the Tiger shooting fell off in the second quarter with La Grande only adding five points but still holding a 17-16 lead at the half. The Tigers added 11 points in the third before the shooting went cold with La Grande only adding four points in the final eight minutes.

The La Grande defense held the Vikings to only four points in the third quarter before seeing Umatilla put up 15 points in the final quarter for the win.

“Our defense was not good in the fourth, giving up easy buckets,” La Grande head coach Shawn Brooks said. “Coach Scott’s boys played hard, penetrating the ball and knocking down shots.”

Senior Caeden Barrett led the Tigers in the loss with nine points.

“Quentin Theiler played a hard game of defense and showed great competitive energy,” Brooks said. “Kalvin Iohp played great as well, driving to the cup and creating plays for his team. Overall, I am happy with the effort of the team. We just need to put it together for four quarters.”

La Grande (0-1 overall) returns to the road on Dec. 1 as the Tigers join Pendleton, St. Helens and Clarkston, Washington, for the two-day Red Lion Tournament in Pendleton.