MILANO – Milano’s Jase Todd scored 35 points, including 19 in the fourth quarter, and the Eagles topped the Thrall Tigers (8-9 overall, 2-3 District 27-2A) 57-45 Friday night.
Both teams struggled from the field through the first half as both teams shot under 30 percent for the first two quarters. Milano led 12-4 midway through the first quarter behind Todd’s six points, and Ethan Gordon’s five. The Eagles (12-7, 3-1) held a 13-6 advantage at the end of the quarter.
Gordon added a pair of threepointers in the second period that helped the Eagles build a 21-12 lead, but the Tigers scored the final four points of the first half and trailed 21-16 at the half.
The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. Todd poured in 10 points in the quarter, four of which came from the charity stripe. But, the Tigers were able to answer with Cason Sledge dropping a pair of threepointers. By the end of the period, the Eagles had extended their lead to six at 36-30, with Sledge’s second three closing out the scoring.
Todd spent much of the fourth quarter at the free-throw line. He went to the line 13 times over the final eight minutes, sinking a dozen of those free shots. He added a pair of short jumpers and a long-range three to finish the quarter with 19 points for the Eagles. Thrall did its best to stay with the Eagles. Brady Burlison scored five and Dawson Meiski added four to stay within striking range, but Milano’s accurany at the free-throw line was too much for the Tigers to overcome.
Milano outscored the Tigers 21-15 in the fourth period to clinch the win, and remain in a first-place tie with Hearne and Thorndale as they near the midway point of district play.
In addition to Todd’s 35-point explosion, Gordon finished the night with 16 points for the Eagles. Thrall was led by Meiske’s 11 points. Breken Proctor added nine, and Walker tallied eight in the loss.
Thrall was off Tuesday night, but the Tigers will return to action on Friday when they travel to Thorndale in a game with serious playoff implications for the Tigers. A win keeps the Tigers in the thick of the playoff hunt at the midway point. A loss, and the Tigers will need some help to secure a playoff berth.
Tigers junior Steven Walker running up the court on a fast break.
Photo by Larry Pelchat
Tigers head coach Charles Tindol breaks down the huddle after a timeout.
Photo by Larry Pelchat
