The Pike County Bulldogs boy’s basketball team gave everybody a reason to celebrate Monday with a 68-53 win over the G.W. Long Rebels on senior night.

“I knew they were going to come out ready and focused,” said Bulldogs head coach Doug Holland. “I was really happy for some of the players that don’t normally get to play. The seniors did a good job. We have a lot of unselfish players and I like that about them.”

The Bulldogs (12-8) have struggled early in games all season long, but on Monday the Bulldogs came on fire. The spark came in the way of Xavier Allen, who hit five three-pointers in the first half and scored 12 of the Bulldogs first 14 points of the night.

“We have been looking for him to play like this all year,” Holland said. “He is always a humble kid that comes in and works hard. I always tell him to just look for his shot.”

In the second quarter the Bulldogs gained separation and doubled the Rebels in scoring. The Bulldogs entered the locker room at half time with a 38-23 lead.

One of the things the Bulldogs did all night long was close out quarters strong, sinking big shots and dunks at the end of each period.

“That’s how they play,” Holland said. “They are always going to be intense. Anytime you can get baskets at the end of halves and quarters it gives you momentum.”

The Bulldogs kept the pedal to the metal in the third quarter and although they only scored eight points, their defense kept their lead at 16 heading into the fourth.

The Bulldogs took a 21-point lead after Deshon Cowling converted on a basket putting the Bulldogs up 59-38.

Allen scored 15 points in the first half and Cowling had 22 points on the night.

The Bulldogs will close out the regular season on Friday when they make the trip to Goshen to take on the Eagles.

“We have beaten them the only time we played them this year,” Holland said. “They made a run at us, but one thing about it is Goshen is going to play hard. Coach Carroll does a good job with them.”

Earlier in the evening Lady Bulldogs lost a competitive game to the Lady Rebels 38-22.

Precious Vaznaian led the way with 12 points for the Bulldogs. The loss for the Lady Bulldogs drops their record to 4-20 on the season.

Both teams will head to Goshen on Friday night with the girls starting at 5:30 p.m. and the boys at approximately 7 p.m.