Bulldogs led by 20, win 81-67
The Mexico Bulldogs gained their 15th win of the season Friday night, with an 81-67 win at St. Elizabeth. Head Coach Darren Pappas gained his 100th career win with the victory.
Mexico had a big first quarter, leading 31-20 behind an outstanding first from sophomore guard Jaydon Eldridge as he scored 12 of his 17 points in the frame. St. E. 6’5″ senior forward Jace Kesel kept St. Elizabeth in the game early with 14 first quarter points.
The Hornets (15-10) clawed back into the game early in the second behind a 9-0 run to start the quarter, fueled by reserve forward Lane Irwin, who hit a couple of shots inside and guard Gavin Williams, who hit one from the outside and a couple of free throws. St. Elizabeth trailed 33-31, before Mexico took off again. They held the Hornets to just two more buckets the rest of the half as they went to the break leading 50-35. Guard DJ Long hit for 10 of his 18 first half points in the second quarter
Mexico extended to a 20-point lead in the third quarter and the game see-sawed back and forth the rest of the way.
The Dogs had four players in double digits, led by Long with 20, Eldridge had 17, guard Jordan Shelton playing on a tender knee added 12 and junior forward Donye Nunnelly added 11.
Kesel led the Hornets with 24, while guard/forward Gavin Williams scored 14 and guard Isaac Green chipped in 10.
In the JV game, Mexico ran their record to 13-1 overall with an 80-32 win. Charlie Fisher and Austin Maxwell tied for game-high scoring honors with 14, while Aiden Knipfel threw in 10. Seven other players got in the score book for the Dogs.
St. Elizabeth (14-7), playing their 5th game in 5 days struggled to keep pace with Mexico. They were led by Carter Otto’s 10 points.
Mexico is back in action Tuesday at Fulton for action in the NCMC. The (other) Hornets also won Friday night, 61-50 over the Kirksville Tigers. Big man Colby Lancaster had an 18-point second half to lead Fulton to a come from behind win.