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By MIKE JOSEPH
Traveler Correspondent

UDALL -- Playing their third straight road game, the Dexter Fighting Cardinals couldn't overcome 18 turnovers in a 52-37 loss to the Udall Eagles on Friday night.

After falling behind 9-6 after one period, the Cardinals fought back to tie the score at 12-12 on a pair of three-pointers by senior Cody Minor with 6:35 left in the half. Scott Murphy scored three straight buckets for the Eagles, who led 20-12 with 3:41 remaining.

Dexter clawed back within five at 23-18 late in the quarter behind four points by freshman Bradley Berkley and a driving basket by Minor.

Udall took possession with the clock winding down. Senior Lane Krug's off-balance three-pointer at the buzzer gave the Eagles a 26-18 lead heading into the half.

The Eagles held Dexter to a one three-point field goal by Tyler Marker in the third period, but could only extend the lead to 36-26 at the end of the period. The Cardinals converted five-of-nine free throws in the quarter to stay within striking distance.

Dexter was able to pull within eight, 36-28, with 5:36 left in regulation, as Berkley and Marker each hit one-of-two free throws.

"I feel like we continue to improve," said Dexter coach Dennis Bryant. "We need to quit picking up the silly fouls, but we were able to keep it close until late in the game."

Murphy took over at that point, with another 6-0 spurt that put the Eagles in command 42-28. Senior Caleb Rockey did the rest, scoring all six of his points down the stretch as the Udall lead grew to 49-32 with 1:10 remaining.

Dexter will travel to Burden to face Central later today.

DEXTER 6 12 8 11 -- 37
UDALL 9 17 10 17 -- 53

Dexter -- Minor 11, Berkley 11, Pudden 6, Marker 4, Reimer 3, Muntz 2.
Udall -- Murphy 17, Krug 12, Kistler 9, Rockey 6, Williams 5, Smith 2, Feldkamp 2.