The Hopkinsville Tigers built a big second half lead and then had to hold on for an 82-77 win over the Seneca Redhawks Friday in the consolation game of the 2017 Paducah Tilghman Christmas Tournament. The Tigers led by as many as 20 in the 4th quarter, before seeing Seneca get as close as four points in the final minutes. But the Tigers did what they needed to hold on for the 82-77 win.
The two teams opened the game battling through a tight first quarter. The score was tied at 2, 4, 6, and 12 before Hoptown finished the quarter on a 8-4 run to take a 20-16 lead.
Holding a 25-22 lead early in the 2nd quarter, Hopkinsville then exploded for a 13-0 run to push the lead to 38-22. Jacarius Burks and Alijah Watts played big roles for the Tigers during the run. Hopkinsville went to the break holding a 44-30 lead.
The Tigers continued to work to extend the lead during the 3rd quarter, pushing the margin to as many as 20 at 56-36. The Redhawks battled back to trim the lead to 62-47 at the end of the quarter.
Hopkinsville opened the 4th quarter on a 7-2 run to push the lead back to 20 at 69-49. Then, the Redhawks decided to push the Tigers for all they were worth. Behind increased defensive pressure, and possibly some tired legs on the part of the Hopkinsville Tigers, back came Seneca. A quick 10-0 run cut the lead in half at 69-59
Trailing by 13 at 75-62, the Redhawks made another run, this one a 9-0 run, to get the lead down to four points at 75-71. Seneca got as close as 3, but time ran out on the comeback as the Tigers ended up with the five point win.
Jacarius Burks, who was named to the All-Tournament Team, led all Hoptown scorers with 22 points. Alijah Watts and Bryce Smith added 16 points each. Smith connected on four 3-point shots. Tefrell Toliver was also in double figures with 11. Seneca was led by Phillip Armstrong with 22 points.
Hopkinsville improves to 4-5 on the season, and will return to action Wednesday at the Next Level Hoops Fest in Nashville.
