Three Rivers Halts Losing Streaks To Moberly With Strong Defensive Effort
Moberly, MO – After a 93-65 home thrashing of 14th ranked Mineral Area College on Jan 8, Three Rivers HC Brian Bess was proud of his offensive output that night, but also stated that defense has been their constant they’re able to rely on so far this season.
Ranked 26th nationally in defensive average (64.7 ppg), his Raiders pulled of another solid defensive performance, this time at Moberly Area CC. 3R hadn’t won at MACC since 1/7/16, and was currently on a ten game losing streak to the Greyhounds at any venue.
Last night Three Rivers put an end to both of those spells with a 61-57 triumph over their long-time rivals. Moberly seemed disoriented offensively in the loss. At times they looked somewhat lethargic, showing no spunk or continuity. But give some of that credit to the Raiders for forcing on them out of rhythm.
“Offensively we just had no flow tonight. I felt like every possession was just like pulling teeth.” stated Head Hound Patrick Smith. “I felt at times in the first half we played with no energy, I don’t understand how we were only down 27-23 (at halftime), so I took that as a benefit that we were even in the game,” added the Hall of Fame coach.
The 57 points were Moberly’s lowest point total of the season. Three Rivers also held the Hounds to their second lowest output earlier this season, that time in a home court loss in Poplar Bluff, 65-59.
Three Rivers upped their record to 12-8 overall, and 3-3 in region play. Pacing the Raiders was Lamar Wilkerson, who poured in a game high 27, nine over his season average. Keith Kiner was the only other Raider in double figs with 11. Kiner also had 6 boards. Narrowly missing a dub-dub was Paul Greene scoring 9, coupling that with 10 rebounds and four steals.
With the loss, Moberly sits at 16-6, 3-3. Their other five losses coming from #2 John A. Logan, #13 Southeastern CC (IA), #16 Indian Hills, and twice to #14 Mineral Area. The Hounds have now lost back to back games for the second time this year.
Leading scorer for MACC was Sincere Parker notching 15 points plus 5 boards and 3 steals. However, Moberly’s leading scorer (20 ppg) struggled from behind the arc going 1 for 7. Others with double digits were Jimmy Bell with 12 points, 7 rebounds, Tyren Moore ended up with 11, a team high 9 rebs and 7 assists. James Dent added 10.
Moberly looks to bounce back at Missouri State-West Plains on Saturday, while Three Rivers returns home with their four game win streak to take on State Fair CC.
