Menu
Tigers outrun Mustangs
By Jason Peake
Herald-Tribune
NEVADA -- Just when it appeared that McDonald County was on the verge of taking control of the game, the Nevada Tigers made a run.
And what a run it was.
Nevada's boys scored 20 unanswered points in a spurt that spanned the end of the third and the start of the fourth quarters.
That huge run was definitely the difference as the host Tigers defeated the Mustangs 61-53 Friday in front of a packed Wynn Gymnasium on Courtwarming.
"We just got our feet back under us," Nevada Coach John McNeley said. "I think it was a combination of pretty solid defense and making shots. That's something to be proud of."
Late in the third period, things weren't looking too good for the Tigers.
The visiting Mustangs took a 42-33 lead with two and a half minutes remaining in the quarter after a Miquel Morales three-pointer. And at that point, it looked like the Mustangs had all of the momentum.
"It looked like things were going south for us and they were going south in a hurry," McNeley said.
But suddenly, that momentum shifted in a big way. Nevada got hot from the perimeter on one end, forced some turnovers and shut down the Mustangs on the other end.
During the spurt, Silas Smith and Nathan Colopy both drained threes, Drew Bryson added a two and Isaiah Colopy and Cory Kerbs hit free throws. Nevada scored 11-straight to end the third period.
And they kept it going early in the fourth. Isaiah Colopy and Smith had hoops and then Lane Ketterman drilled a three-pointer. Bryson added two free throws to complete the 20-0 run. Suddenly, Nevada led 53-42.
"We just righted the ship somehow," McNeley said. "I'm tickled with the way we played. That stretch of the game was something that good teams do. And I hope that's a sign of things to come. I don't know if that would have happened pre-Christmas. We may not have got out of here with a win then."
With the victory, the Tigers improve to 7-7 on the season.
Isaiah Colopy's 16 points led a balanced attack for Nevada. Smith added 14 points, while Bryson and Joseph Ferry added eight points apiece.
A back and forth first quarter ended with Mac County up 16-15.
The hosts used a 12-2 second quarter run to take a 29-23 lead. But the Mustangs got going right away in the second half, scoring the first eight, with six coming from Jordan Wells.
The Tigers were cold from the field and were also one and done, as Mac County controlled the boards.
The Mustangs used a 17-4 run to start the third quarter and led 42-33.
"We didn't do a very good job defensively early in the second half," McNeley said. "I know we can guard better."
But again, Nevada suddenly turned it up a notch and went on its big run to take control of the game. The Tigers were up 56-44 with two minutes to play. Free throws from Isaiah Colopy, Alex Payne, Bryson and Smith sealed the win.
Nevada shot 25 free throws, making 13, while Mac County shot just three foul shots, making one. Mac County turned the ball over 23 times, while Nevada had just nine turnovers.
Morales scored 27 points with seven three-pointers for the Mustangs. Wells added 15.
Nevada travels to Monett on Tuesday night. Nevada beat Monett 83-75 in the season-opener. The Tigers are back home next Friday night.
Nevada boys 61, McDonald County 53
MC 16 9 17 11 -- 53
NE 15 14 15 17 -- 61
Nevada: Kerbs 0 2-2 2, Ketterman 1 0-0 3, Bryson 2 4-4 8, Banes 0 0-0 0, I. Colopy 5 4-6 16, N. Colopy 3 0-0 7, Brandt 1 0-4 2, Payne 0 1-2 1, Smith 5 2-3 14, Ferry 3 0-0 8, Enriquez 0 0-0 0, Herdliska 0 0-0 0. Totals 12 (8) 13-25 61. Three-pointers: Ferry 2, I. Colopy 2, Smith 2, N. Colopy 1, Ketterman 1. Fouls 9. Rebounds 21 (Smith 5). Turnovers 9. Steals 7 (Kerbs 2).
McDonald County: Morales 27, Nicoletti 2, Buttram 5, Wells 15, Serr 2, Fickle 2. Totals 14 (8) 1-3 53. Three-pointers: Morales 7, Wells 1. Fouls 20. Turnovers 23. Half: Nevada 29-25.