(Cindy Dougherty Photo)
Madisonville began the second half with an 18-0 run and turned a halftime deficit into a 67-53 win over Christian County Tuesday in the Second Region semifinals at Maroon Gym. It was just Madisonville’s sixth win against Christian County in 21 region tourney games.
Christian County led 29-26 at halftime but was held to just one field goal in the third quarter, while Madisonville used a 23-4 run to take control.
In the first half, it was Christian County who controlled the contest. The Colonels’ game plan was to push the tempo, and it worked early. Mikeon Mathis had seven early points as the Colonels led 14-10 after one quarter and 24-13 midway through the second frame.
Madisonville made a rally as Cade Cunningham scored four straight points to bring the Maroons to within 29-26 at halftime. Eric Brody scored the final seven points of the half for the Colonels and was the only player in double figures at intermission with 11 points.
Madisonville began the second half on a 18-0 run as Kenny White, held to two first half points, became more active, scoring eight points in the third quarter. Christian County, meanwhile, missed their first nine shots from the field to start the half. Their only field goal of the quarter came from Mathis with five seconds left.
The Maroons extended the lead to 52-33 early in the fourth before the Colonels scored seven straight points to get to within 52-40. Madisonville helped with the Colonel comeback by hitting 9-of-17 free throws in the fourth quarter.
Christian County would get as close as 11 points but get no closer.
Madisonville held a 37-28 advantage on the glass and hit 20-of-37 free throws in the game. The Colonels were 8-of-11 at the charity stripe, having been called for 15 more fouls.
The Maroons placed five players in double figures. Cunningham had 18 points, while Ksuan Casey added 14 points and 12 rebounds. White also had a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, and J.D. Gilbert scored 11 points.
Christian County (15-17) got 25 points from senior Eric Brody in his final game as a Colonel. Mathis added 13 points for the Colonels, who shot 35-percent from the floor.
Madisonville (27-5) will advance to Friday’s semifinal to play Henderson County (16-11), who beat Lyon County 75-65 in the other quarterfinal.
