Saturday hoops wrap: EH wins, NP falls at buzzer

It was a big night for the Eastern Hancock Royals as they pulled away to a 74-35 victory over Tri tonight on the road.

The Royals won their second straight game -- and the second in which they held an opponent to 35 points -- to improve to 9-7 on the year.

EH's next game is at home Thursday against Triton Central. You can listen to the game live at HancockCountySports.com!

Mooresville 65, New Palestine 63: In one of the area's marquee games tonight, the Dragons and Pioneers locked horns in a tussle that was decided at the buzzer.

NP trailed by double-digits after a quarter, and rallied from a 37-25 halftime deficit to cut the Pioneers' lead to two by the late stages of the third quarter. But the Pioneers managed to maintain the lead until the closing seconds. Trailing by eight in the final minute, NP hit a 3-pointer, forced a turnover, got a layup to Brandon Jonas to cut the deficit to three, then saw Mooresville miss both halves of a two-shot foul.

Ikerd drilled a 3 out of the left wing to tie the game with 7.3 seconds left. On the ensuing possession, Mooresville's Brandon Smalling threw up a 3-pointer, but drew contact and was awarded a 3-shot foul. He hit the first and third shots with no time on the clock to give the Pioneers the victory.

Josh Penley scored 16 points to lead the Dragons, and added six assists. Michael Morris recorded his third double-double of the year with 15 points and 10 rebounds, hitting 6-of-11 from the floor.  Ikerd hit four second-half 3-pointers for 12 points, while Reid Clark had 11 points and six boards. Jonas added six points.

Mooresville was led by Smalling's 21 points, leading four Pioneers in double-figures.

NP shot 42 percent from the floor, but just 13-of-24 from the line. Mooresville hit 50 percent of its shots, and was 11-of-17 from the stripe.

NP fell to 11-5 with the loss. Mooresville is now 11-3. The Dragons next play Thursday at Franklin.

Greenwood 60, Greenfield-Central 37: Mason Irbe scored 11 points, Jordan Keener and Zach Batton six to lead the Cougars in a loss on the road.

The Woodmen had a double-digit lead at the half and extended it after the break. G-C is now 1-15 on the year and next plays Thursday against Knightstown.

Mt. Vernon was idle tonight, but plays Warren Central on Monday at home. You can listen to the game LIVE at HancockCountySports.com!