SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Kickapoo found its rhythm beyond the arc early in the first half to build a lead the Chiefs would never relinquish in a 74-48 win over Joplin on Wednesday.
Joplin (14-9) held an early lead before Kickapoo (16-7) found its footing, knocking down six 3-pointers in the first half to hold a 33-25 advantage at the intermission. The Eagles cut the lead to one possession midway through the third quarter only for the Chiefs to push the lead back to double digits to start the fourth before pulling away in the final eight minutes.
Joplin held a 7-1 lead early before the Chiefs went on a 17-6 run to close the opening period with an 18-13 advantage. Brayden Shorter highlighted the run for the Chiefs with three 3-pointers.
Kickapoo got 3-balls from Shorter and Mason Robb out of the first break to push the lead to 10 for the first time, 24-14, with 6:05 on the clock. The lead hovered at that margin leading into halftime with Kickapoo up eight, 33-25.
Joplin cut the lead to one possession, 39-36, near the midway point of the third quarter on an inside score from Terrance Gibson.
Kickapoo closed the third quarter on a 13-4 run to push the lead back to double digits, 53-40, to start the fourth quarter.
The Chiefs extended their lead down the stretch of the final quarter.
Joplin is at Branson on Friday before returning home to host Ozark on Feb. 21.
