Joplin-Inverness nearly overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit Friday night to beat Big Sandy, but the Pioneers were able to fend off the Rams for a narrow 70-67 win.
J-I outscored Big Sandy 22-15 in the fourth, but after big second and third quarters from the Pioneers, the margin was too big too close.
Jay Jamieson and Chris Yirsa each hit three three-point goals for Big Sandy, and Skylar Pearson added one in the win. Jeff Bangs drilled four three-pointers home and Jeremy Johnson added one for J-I in the losing effort.
Big Sandy's Gage Brumwell and J-I's Justin Johnson led all scorers with 19 points apiece.
Mason Ophus followed Brumwell for the Pioneers with 16 points, while Jamieson had 14 and Yirsa 11.
Jeremiah Johnson added 16 points for the Rams, and Bangs and Jeremy May each had 14.
J-I
18
13
14
22
67
Big Sandy
16
21
18
15
70
J-I Jeremiah Johnson 16, Jeremy May 14, Jeff Bangs 14, Curt Lineweaver 2, Justin Johnson 19, Matt Tempel 2.
Big Sandy Gage Brumwell 19, Jay Jamieson 14, Chris Yirsa 11, Mason Ophus 16, Adam Jesperson 2, Skylar Pearson 5, Calenn Heppner 2.
