After a blistering first quarter that saw 42 total points scored…the Titans of Monmouth-Roseville (7-5) took over. The Titans outscored the Eureka Hornets (4-8) 23-7 in the second quarter and didn’t release the lead. Eureka actually had a far better second half than Monmouth-Roseville did — and got within four points late — but fell just short.
The Titans shot 17-29 (59%) in the first half of play and went into halftime with an impressive 45-27 lead. Eureka ruled the second half of the game, but couldn’t overcome their second quarter woes. Interestingly, Eureka shot exactly 11-27 (41%) in both halves. Monmouth-Roseville only shot 6-15 (40%) in the second half, but their excellent all-around first half was enough to give them 23-44 (52%) for the entire game.
Another script that decided this game was free throw shooting. Monmouth-Roseville shot 10-14 (71%) from the charity stripe, compared to just 2-7 (29%) for Eureka.
Monmouth-Roseville was led in scoring by Rashaun King (15 points) and Quincy Talivaa (13 points). They also received eight points each from Jacob Jones and Connor Olson. Jones and Talivaa also shared the team-high in rebounds with five each.
Eureka had three players score double digits (Aden Sears with 12, Colby Blunier with 11, and Trevor Heffren with 10). Sears had a game-high six rebounds. Matt Martin is leading the tournament in the early going with eight assists.
Monmouth-Roseville advances to Game 14 (tomorrow, 6:30pm) to face the winner of the game between Abingdon-Avon and Camp Point Central. Eureka will play in the second round in the Consolation bracket in Game 10 (tomorrow,10:30am) and will play the loser of the aforementioned game.
Eureka Info
Monmouth-Roseville Info
Chris Derry
December 26, 2019