Thanks to a rebounding edge and an advantage in the athleticism department, No. 4-ranked Manchester defeated No. 5 Lovett 70-56 on Thursday at Georgia College in the Class AA quarterfinals.
The Blue Devils (24-5), a No. 1 seed from Region 5, advance to play the winner of
Credit: Stan Awtrey
Credit: Stan Awtrey
Thursday's matchup between Monticello and Dublin. The semifinals will be played on Saturday at Georgia College.
The Lions, the No. 2 seed from Region 6, end their season with a 22-7 record.
Lovett jumped out to an early lead behind its 3-point shooting, with Henry Richardson's three first quarter 3-pointers giving the Lions an 18-13 lead after the opening quarter.
But the Blue Devils made a defensive adjustment in the second quarter, which they opened on a 9-0 run to take a lead they would never relinquish.
"We came out of our trap (defense) and got out in front of them," Blue Devils coach Curtis Noble said. "We made them make plays."
With the Blue Devils limiting Lovett's effectiveness from behind the 3-point line, the Lions struggled, scoring just six points in the second quarter to trail 34-24 at halftime. They never recovered.
The Blue Devils built their lead in the second quarter and beyond with rebounding on both ends of the floor, with Jerquavion Mahone and Bobby Stevenson grabbing the majority of the boards.
Demarcus Addie took care of the scoring for Manchester, leading all scorers with with 30 points.
"We played hard to go out here and get the win," Addie said. "Defense won the game tonight."
Jah'Nile Hill had 13 points as Manchester's other double-digit scorer.
The Lions were led by Richardson Ryan Greer, who scored 15 points apiece.
Lovett 18 6 12 20 - 56
Manchester 13 21 11 25 - 70
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