In a matchup of two of the best girls’ teams in the MAIS this season, Madison-Ridgeland Academy turned it on offensively in the fourth quarter to beat Pillow Academy 50-40 Tuesday at the Magnolia Heights Memorial Classic in Senatobia.
The Lady Patriots, 18-1 and winners of 17 straight, outscored the Lady Mustangs 16-8 in the fourth period to notch the victory.
Riley Hancock, a 6-foot junior center for MRA, finished with 18 points although she was just 6-of-19 from the field. Hancock made her presence felt on defense with numerous blocks and rebounds.
The fourth period started with MRA clinging to a slim 34-32 lead. The lady Mustangs stayed within two early in the quarter, but after sophomore Avery Howard fouled out at the 3:36 mark of the quarter, the Lady Patriots began to pull away.
Hancock hit two free throws and a basket, and MRA got a fast break bucket and two more free throws to lead 48-38 by the 1:22 mark.
MRA led 13-12 after the first quarter. Pillow (15-4) took a 20-17 lead after trailing 17-14 early in the second period. The Lady Patriots led 25-25 at the break.
The game stayed tight as MRA outscored Pillow 8-7 in the third.
Senior guard Ella Wesley Davis tacked on 10 points for MRA, which will play the host school Wednesday at 5 p.m.
For the Lady Mustangs, Sarah Presley Howard had a game-high 19 points and nine rebounds. Avery Howard had six points, and Madeline Mattox finished with five points.
The Lady Mustangs take on Walnut High School Wednesday at 2 p.m.
In the boys game, Oxford High School pulled out a 57-47 win over the Mustangs, who fall to 5-11 overall.
Oxford only led 15-13 after the first frame but a 14-7 run in the second period gave the Chargers a 29-20 lead at the half.
Oxford only outscored Pillow by one point, 28-27, in the second half.
John Heston Powers led the Mustangs with 17 points and eight rebounds.
Nelson Hodges finished with 15 points, five boards and three steals.
The Mustangs play Tunica Academy at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the tournament.
J.Z. George: The Jaguars dropped a hard-fought 55-52 decision to Columbus Christian Tuesday at the Impact Sports Christmas Tournament.
The three-day tournament is being held at Columbus Christian.
The Rams held a 13-8 lead after the first period. Both teams scored 11 points each in the second as CCA led 24-19 at the half.
D’Anthony McGlothan had 27 points and 15 rebounds for the Jaguars (2-12). Alex Criss tacked on 13 points.
Contact Calvin Stevens at 662-581-7234 or cstevens@gwcommonwealth.com.
