The Hopkinsville Tigers used a late first half blitz to spur them on to a big home win Saturday night over Clarksville Northwest. The Tigers closed the second quarter on a 20-3 run on their way to a 67-49 win over the Vikings, giving the Tigers their second win in as many nights over a Clarksville school.
The game opened at a frenetic, if not productive pace. Northwest scored the first five points of the game, with Hopkinsville then responding with the next six to take a 6-5 lead halfway through the quarter. The Tigers were able to get back to back baskets from Jacarius Burks and James Nicholas to take a 14-12 lead at the end of the quarter.
In the second, the Tigers cranked up their defensive pressure, and it took a toll on the visiting Vikings. Northwest hit a three early in the quarter to cut the lead to 16-15. That would be the last field goal of the half for the Vikings. With strong play from Nicholas and Authur McKnight, Hopkinsville roared past Northwest for the rest of the quarter to take a 36-18 lead at the break.
The Tiger defense continued to control the game during the 3rd quarter. Hopkinsville only allowed Northwest to tally 11 points in the quarter, as the Tigers pushed the lead on out to as many as 25 points. Hoptown led at the end of the quarter 51-29. James Nicholas had another solid quarter to lead the Hopkinsville attack.
Both teams had the chance to play several players in the final quarter. Hopkinsville would lead by as many as 26 in the quarter as they cruised the rest of the way to the win.
James Nicholas and Jacarius Burks led Hoptown with 13 points each. Alijah Watts and Jamarion Sharp scored 9 each.
Isaiah Farrior had 15 points for Northwest. Ametri Moss and Jamal Mull were also in double figures for the Vikings with 11 points each.
Hopkinsville improves to 2-1 with the win. The Tigers will get back to action Friday night when they open 8th District play on the road against Christian County.
