The Wheelersburg Pirates used strong surges to close the second and fourth quarter in their 66-50 win over Piketon in the Division 3 Boys Basketball District Championship at the Ohio University Convocation Center, Saturday night.
The Pirates scored six points in the closing 50 seconds of the first half to close an 8-point deficit to 28-26 at halftime, then broke open a 48-48 tie in the fourth quarter to finish on an 18-2 run for the victory. Piketon was haunted by 17 turnovers, which were big factors in each of those big point swings. Wheelersburg committed only 8 turnovers in the game.
The Pirates shot 25/43 from the field for 58%- including 5/11 from outside the arc and 11/20 at the charity stripe. Piketon was 17/37 for 49%- including 4/12 from the arc and were greatly helped at the foul line where they were a perfect 12/12. The Redstreaks actually won the rebounding stat 24-20.
Wheelersburg was led by 6'6 junior forward Tanner Holden's 24 points and 8 rebounds. Three other Burg players hit double figures with Cole Lowrey coming off the bench to score 13, while Connor Mullins and J.J. Truitt each added 10. Mullins scored all of his points in the second half.
Piketon was led by Tanner Perdue with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Alex Blanton pitched-in with 15. Tanner Veach scored all 6 of his points in the first half. Scott Lightle and Isaac Little each had 4 points, while Austin Taylor and Blake Reader each scored 2 points.
Piketon closes their season at (19-6) and Wheelersburg heads to the D-3 Regionals at Ou with a (20-3) mark.
To hear the game again, go to the WKKJ podcast link below...