MHS improves to 3-0 with 66-64 win at MoCo Tourney
The Mexico Bulldogs improved to 3-0 on the season with a 2-point win over the Hermann Bearcats in semi-final action of the boys Montgomery County Tournament Thursday night.
MHS came from 13-points down in the 2nd quarter to even the game at 54-all at the end of the 3rd quarter. Foul trouble plagued the Bulldogs throughout the game, with guard Jordan Shelton and forward Donye Nunnelly both fouling out late. Assistant Coach Dion Nunnelly was also tossed in the 2nd quarter after incurring a double-technical.
Hermann used a tight 3-2 zone defense and capitalized on a disparity in trips to the free throw line to take a 39-29 lead into halftime. The Bearcats went 20-of-26 at the line in the first half. MHS was just 4 of 8.
DJ Long kept Mexico afloat with 19 of his game high 28 in the first half. Shelton then chipped in with 10 of his 14 in the third quarter to help Mexico tie it up.
Sophomore guard Jayden Eldridge again came to the aid of the Bulldog offense, scoring all 12 of his points in the 2nd half and getting a key assist to Long, after a pivotal block by PJ Perkins underneath the Mexico basket.
Mexico led the game 1-0 and then trailed until they took a one-point lead with just over 4 minutes left in the game. Teams traded baskets before Eldridge and reserve forward Dante Kelly hit key free throws late to seal the game.
Parker Anderson led Hermann with 21 points, while Reese Rehmert added 15.
Mexico has now won 33-straight regular season games.
In the other semi-final, Fulton played the host Montgomery County, in late action.
Play continues (Friday) tonight at Montgomery County with girls Consolation action. Mexico takes on 4th-seeded Clopton in a 6:00 start. Pre-game on KXEO is slated for 5:50pm.