GRANGER – Granger’s Nathan Tucker led a furious fourth quarter comeback effort Tuesday night, scoring 14 of the Lions’ 24 points in the period. But, the Thrall Tigers (9-10 overall, 3-4 District 27-2A) were able to put enough points on the board in the quarter to hold on for a 50-44 win over the Lions (4-13, 0-7).
Thrall got off to a quick start, running off 12 points over the first six minutes of the opening quarter. A stingy Tiger defense held the Lions scoreless until Trae Herrera’s fast-break layup with 10 seconds to play in the quarter.
Dawson Meiske led a balanced scoring attack for the Tigers in the opening period with four points.
The Lions tried to claw their way back into the game in the second period. Tucker scored five of his game-high 20 points in the second, and Herrera added a three-point jumper as the Lions tallied 11 points. Granger was able to hold the Tigers to nine in the second, seven of which came from Meiske, but Thrall still led 21-13 going into the half.
The Tigers, who have enjoyed a balanced offense all season, secured points from six players in the third quarter. Breken Proctor scored four of his teamhigh 12 points in the third, and the Tiger defense continued to keep the Lions’ offense in check. Thrall outscored the Lions 14-7 in the period and pushed its lead to 35-20 entering the final quarter.
Tucker took control of the game in the fourth.
He scored on multiple fast-breaks and short jumpers, hitting five of eight shots from the field and adding four free throws for the Lions. Thrall answered with five points from Casen Sledge and four from Proctor to help offset the Granger rally. The Lions could get no closer than the final margin, but continued to show improvement.
Tucker led all scorers with his 20-point effort, while Herrera added 14 for the Lions.
Poctor led Thrall with 12, while Meiske added 11. Meiske and Steven Walker also pulled down 15 rebounds each in the win.
Thrall traveled to Bartlett Friday to face the Bulldogs, and will close out their regular season schedule with four straight home games, beginning Tuesday when they host the Holland Hornets.
The Tigers are still in playoff contention entering the home stretch, and the Bartlett and Holland match-ups are must-wins for the Tigers if they hope to make the play- offs.
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