Bulldogs hang on for 62-57 win at Kirksville
The Mexico boys were already on the losing end of a conference matchup this season with Kirksville but didn’t allow it to happen again …
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Bulldogs hang on for 62-57 win at Kirksville
The Mexico boys were already on the losing end of a conference matchup this season with Kirksville but didn’t allow it to happen again Friday.
The Bulldogs held on to a 36-28 halftime lead to defeat their North Central Missouri Conference and district foe 62-57, getting revenge on the Tigers for Mexico’s lone conference loss — an 83-71 defeat at home.
Jaydon Eldridge led the Bulldogs (11-5, 4-1 NCMC) with 18 points as he knocked down four 3-pointers, and Jordan Shelton and DJ Long each followed with 17 points. Shelton finished with five rebounds and four steals, and Long had six assists and five rebounds. Donye Nunnelly had a team-high eight rebounds — all on the defensive end.
Mexico limited its turnovers to 11 while coming away with 18, scoring 22 points off Kirksville’s turnovers. The Bulldogs outscored the Tigers (11-5, 4-2 NCMC) in the paint 40-22.
The Bulldogs host two games this week against Boonville (7-9), winning 66-40, on Monday and Class 4 No. 2 Father Tolton (9-5) on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Lady Bulldogs shooting at line leads to close 35-31 win at Kirksville
The Mexico girls wanted to limit Kirksville’s perimeter shots like last time.
The Lady Bulldogs defeated the Lady Tigers 35-31 on Friday, executing defense and knocking down free throws throughout the game. Mexico lost 49-39 earlier in the season to Kirksville.
Claire Hudson led Mexico (6-10, 3-2 NCMC) with 14 points, seven steals and four rebounds, Messiah Simpson followed with eight points, and Lexie Willer finished with seven points and seven rebounds. Kenzie Taylor had seven rebounds, and Capi’Ona Fountain finished with five rebounds.
“The difference in the game came down to the free throws we made throughout,” head coach Ed Costley said. “The girls executed our defense and stayed focused to limit easy 3-point looks for Kirksville.”
Kirksville (8-7, 4-2 NCMC) took an 11-6 lead after the first quarter and then a 17-13 halftime lead. Mexico tied the game at 27 going into the fourth quarter prior to outscoring the Lady Tigers 8-4 in the fourth quarter.
Costley said Hudson and Willer served as key offensive playmakers in what was a “gritty” victory.
“In the first half, we missed seven layup opportunities, but the defense held strong and we battled to take the lead in the third and held on,” Costley said.
