CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — A fast start gave Carl Junction a lead they wouldn’t relinquish in a 68-57 win over Monett on Friday.
The Bulldogs (6-11) held all of the momentum after the first quarter, taking an 18-10 lead into the second period thanks to a 14-2 surge. CJ took a 27-20 advantage into halftime and each time the Cubs (8-8) made a run at the lead in the second half, the Bulldogs had an answer en route to the win.
GAME ACTION
Trailing 4-2 early, Carl Junction used a 14-2 run in the first period to take control of the momentum. Ayden Bard had four points during the run, while Cooper Vediz and Jett Hocut each knocked down 3-pointers in the surge. Vediz closed the run with a steal and score on the break.
Monett cut the lead down to four in the second period before Carl Junction rallied to take a 27-20 advantage into the second half.
The Cubs again cut the lead to four, 29-25, early in the second half only for the Bulldogs to close the third period on a 13-4 run to lead by 12 going into the final eight minutes of action. Bard and Vediz each had four points in the run, while Brody Pant buried a 3-pointer with 15 seconds left to make the score 44-32.
Monett got back to back 3-pointers from Landyn Brandt to cut the Bulldogs’ lead to 46-38 with 6:50 left. Blaine Salsman knocked down a 3-pointer for the Cubs before Ky Warren answered right back for the Bulldogs with an old-fashioned three-point play to keep the margin at 10 with 4:40 left.
Vediz pushed the lead to a quarter-high 13 points after an inside score from Bard and a layup on the break by Vediz inside the final minute to make the score 65-52.
SCORING LEADERS
Bard led Carl Junction in scoring with a game-high 29 points, while Vediz finished the win with 21 points.
Brandt had 14 to lead Monett, while Salsman added 13 in the loss.
UP NEXT
Carl Junction hosts Nevada on Tuesday.
