A strong first quarter turned into a strong first half for the McClain Tigers Friday night and they were able to pick up their first league win of the season with a 49-38 victory over the Washington Court House Blue Lions.
It was one of those nights where the ball bounced McClain's way and they took advantage at every point of the game they could. They played tough defense which led to Washington Court House committing 8 first quarter turnovers which McClain turned into 12 points. The Blue Lions didn't make their first shot of the game until the 2:31 mark of the first. They managed only one first quarter basket and three free throws to end the quarter with 5 points. McClain was hot shooting 58% in the quarter including 2-2 from beyond the arc to score 17 points of their own. The Tigers outscored the Blue Lions 13-10 in the second half to take a commanding 30-15 lead into the locker room.
After the first quarter the game was played pretty much even but Washington Court House was unable to cut into the lead. Each time the Blue Lions would start to make a run, the Tigers were able to either knock down some buckets or force Washington to take a bad shot or turn the ball over. Washington did outscore McClain in the third quarter 10-6 but still trailed 36-25 with one quarter to play.
The final frame was played even with both teams scoring 13 points, the Blue Lions had opportunities but couldn't knock down their free throws down the stretch as they missed five in a row. The Tigers were able to hold on for the victory 49-38.
McClain 2-15 (1-8) on the night shot 54.4% on 18-33 shooting including 3-4 from beyond the arc for 75%, they were 10-16 from the charity stripe, committed just 11 turnovers and scored 14 points off Blue Lion turnovers. The Tigers were led on the night with three players in double figures. Junion Devin Carter and Sophomore Garrison Banks each had 12 points and Junior Kobe Penwell added a solid 11. McClain plays next against Circleville on February 6th.
Washington Court House 3-13 (1-6) finished the night shooting 14-38 for 37%, they were 3-14 from beyond the arc for 21% and shot just 6-14 from the free throw line. They committed 15 turnovers and scored 6 points off McClain turnovers. They were led in scoring by Blaise Tayese with 12 points, Dillon Steward had 9 and Miguel O'Flaherty had 8. Washington plays Adena on Saturday (2/3).