Hopkinsville and University Heights will meet in the semifinals of the Eighth District Tournament that begins in less than two weeks. The Blazers may have sent a message to Hopkinsville by defeating the Tigers 78-68 Thursday at Tiger Gym and completing their first regular season sweep since the district began seeding in 2008-09.
Kyky Tandy scored 36 points on an efficient 11-of-18 shooting from the field and 10-of-15 at the free throw line. Tandy and Hopkinsville’s Shorty Cager had to be separated by a referee in the third quarter after an additional push or two after the whistle. He scored nine points in the third quarter and 11 more in the fourth quarter as UHA built a 15-point lead.
Tandy scored five points during an 8-0 Blazer run to begin the fourth quarter. Hoptown would cut the lead to 61-56 with 3:11 left, but the Blazers would counter with a 12-2 run with eight of the points coming at the free throw line. UHA hit 14-of-21 free throws in the fourth quarter and 22-of-36 for the game.
Hopkinsville Coach Tim Haworth was less than thrilled with his team’s shot selection, especially in the second quarter when they missed 16 of their 19 shots.
Jalen Johnson led the Tigers with 29 points and six rebounds. James Nicholas added 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Shorty Cager added 14 points and seven rebounds.
Hoptown outrebounded UHA 41-25 but committed 15 turnovers that led to 21 Blazer points.
UHA, who shot 51-percent for the night, got 16 points and six rebounds from Quan Hollowell, while Drew McGowan added nine points and seven rebounds. Malik Lovan and KJ Cump each scored eight points.
The Blazers improved to 15-7 after dropping three of their four previous games. They will play at Murray Saturday.
Hopkinsville drops below the .500 mark at 11-12 on the season. They will host Christian County Saturday night.
WATCH: HIGHLIGHT REEL FROM THE GAME
WATCH: Blazer Coach Grant Shouse was pleased with UHA’s defensive effort
WATCH: Hopkinsville Coach Tim Haworth not pleased with shot selection
