Branson vs. Ozark (Scott Vanscoy / February 7, 2012) |
BRANSON, Mo. -- The Ozark Tigers (11-11) defeated the Branson Pirates (8-15) in a topsy-turvy affair, 66-61, on Tuesday night. The game had several lead changes in the 1st quarter and was tied 17-17 after one. Branson gained the momentum on a break away dunk by Brandon Seely and held a precarious lead going into half time, 35-27.
The second half saw Ozark pick up their defensive pressure, holding Branson to just 5 points in the 3rd quarter. The Tigers also went on a 12-2 run to end the quarter giving them a 43-40 lead, a lead that they would never relinquish. "We just played man defense in the 2nd half and decided we were gonna try to shut them down in the half court," said Ozark Coach Steve Hunter. "Brett Krisik did a good job of getting the ball inside and then getting to the free throw line."
With an 7 point lead, 58-51, Ozark seemed to be in control but 3 pointers by Branson's Thatch Unruh and AJ Wiebe cut Ozark's lead to 60-57 with :47 to go in the game. The Pirates, with 16 seconds left, got within one, 62-61, on two free throws by Unruh. Ozark's Krisik then knocked down two free throws to put the score at 64-61. Branson had a chance but missed two free throws with 12 seconds left. Jakob Neidig then iced the Tigers victory with two free throws with 7.7 left in the game.
"We're .500 right now and are fighting for every win we can get," said Hunter. "This is the time of the time of the year to try and build some momentum going into districts."
Leading the Tigers in scoring was Junior Brett Krisik with 20 points, 18 of those in the second half. The Pirates were led in scoring by Senior Brandon Seely with 20.
The second half saw Ozark pick up their defensive pressure, holding Branson to just 5 points in the 3rd quarter. The Tigers also went on a 12-2 run to end the quarter giving them a 43-40 lead, a lead that they would never relinquish. "We just played man defense in the 2nd half and decided we were gonna try to shut them down in the half court," said Ozark Coach Steve Hunter. "Brett Krisik did a good job of getting the ball inside and then getting to the free throw line."
With an 7 point lead, 58-51, Ozark seemed to be in control but 3 pointers by Branson's Thatch Unruh and AJ Wiebe cut Ozark's lead to 60-57 with :47 to go in the game. The Pirates, with 16 seconds left, got within one, 62-61, on two free throws by Unruh. Ozark's Krisik then knocked down two free throws to put the score at 64-61. Branson had a chance but missed two free throws with 12 seconds left. Jakob Neidig then iced the Tigers victory with two free throws with 7.7 left in the game.
"We're .500 right now and are fighting for every win we can get," said Hunter. "This is the time of the time of the year to try and build some momentum going into districts."
Leading the Tigers in scoring was Junior Brett Krisik with 20 points, 18 of those in the second half. The Pirates were led in scoring by Senior Brandon Seely with 20.
