Triplett tied at PBR Finals

LAS VEGAS — Columbia Falls bullrider Matt Triplett brought the crowd at the Thomas & Mackey Center to its feet on Wednesday, clocking a harrowing eight-second ride atop Pearl Harbor to finish Round 1 tied for fourth at the PBR World Finals.

Triplett, who entered the event ranked No. 6 in the world, held firm atop the hard-bucking bull until late in the ride when he was nearly thrown at the buzzer. After a review, judges confirmed his left hand remained on his rope until milliseconds after the eight seconds elapsed.

“I made the eight seconds and that’s really is all that matters,” Triplett said.

“That bull bucked really good. I was excited to get on him and it worked out.”

Triplett is no stranger close decisions. He was bucked .01 seconds from his first career PBR Built Ford Tough Series victory in September in Laughlin, Nevada.

“I was just hoping for the best outcome and the eight seconds,” Triplett said. “That’s what happened. I was really happy.”

J.W. Harris, a four-time PRCA bullriding champion and first-time competitor in the PBR World Finals, leads the field after the first day, riding Jo Jo to a score of 88.75 points.

Stormy Wing is in second at 88.5 points and defending PBR champion J.B. Mauney is in third at 88. Triplett is tied with Mike Lee for fourth.

While he’s one of the youngest competitors at the event, and in just his second trip to the platform’s biggest stage, Triplett said he’s not worried about the week ahead.

“I’m gonna have fun, hang loose and give it all I’ve got,” Triplett said.

The second round of the contest starts at 7 p.m. today and will be televised on CBS Sports Network.