BUTLER, Mo. — With a solid overall performance, Nevada’s boys basketball team defeated University Academy Charter 58-26 in the seventh-place game of the Butler Tournament on Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers built a 36-15 halftime lead.
“I’m proud of the way our guys showed up and with the energy we brought,” Nevada coach Shaun Gray said. “There was no let down or feeling sorry for ourselves (after two straight losses). Our guys brought defensive intensity from the tip and that fueled our 36-point first half.”
The Tigers held a 54-21 lead by the end of the third quarter on their way to the lopsided win.
“In the second half we focused more on our halfcourt defense and were able to limit the Gryphons to 11 total points,” Gray noted. “It was really nice to see all 14 guys get extended minutes and to see 10 guys score. Our main rotation guys were enthusiastic and very supportive of their teammates when the roles were flipped, and they were manning the bench for longer than normal portions of the game. That togetherness and family attitude is another thing that makes these guys so special and fun to be around every day.”
Brice Budd scored 19 points to lead Nevada.
“Brice Budd led our defensive effort and his energy also led to several transition buckets,” Gray said. “He also played well off of two feet in the paint and took advantage of University Academy’s lack of size.”
Also for the Tigers, Jack Cheaney scored eight points, Mason Majors had seven and Gabe Smith and Alex Ast contributed five points apiece. Rounding out Nevada’s scoring were Sean Simmons (4), Uche Mba (3), Kellen Braden (3), Riddick Shook (2) and Montgomery Palmer (2).
“Our bench guys played great in extended minutes,” Gray said. “And our 3-point defense was solid, holding University to only one 3-point goal.”
Nevada is now 4-5 on the season, and Gray noted there’s still work to do.
“Areas to improve on would be our court vision, seeing the open man sooner, and also our free throw shooting,” Gray said. “It’s something we have to correct in order to win big and close games.”
Nevada travels to Harrisonville (6-3) on Tuesday.
“We are excited to get to work Monday in preparation for a Tuesday game against district opponent Harrisonville, who is off to a great start this season,” Gray said.
