A seemingly safe lead got a little too close for comfort as they Chillicothe Cavs beat the Washington CH Blue Lions 53-51, Friday night.
Coach Eric Huffer’s Cavaliers have not had a game since last year and went on the road to meet a much improved Washington C.H. club with no seniors. The Cavs led almost the entire contest with an eight point halftime lead- their largest of the night.
Chillicothe forced 10 early Blue Lion turnovers and got the ball inside the hosts’ zone to build a lead 26-18 at intermission. The second half turned quickly in favor of the Lions when they attacked the basket and hit 8 of 10 shots in the third period. Washington’s point guard Dillon Steward took over as he repeatedly got to the rim and scored 20 second half points.
The Cavs managed enough offense to maintain the lead and led by four heading to the final period.
With Branden Maughmer switching to Steward and coming up with two excellent stops that converted to Brandon Noel baskets, the Cavs went up by 7 with under three minutes to play.
Just when it looked like the Cavs would finish a win, it went south for the visitors. Washington CH nailed one of their few threes and converted a turnover to a lay up. It was 53-51 Cavs with over two minutes to play. Somehow no one would score again!
The Cavs tried to be patient but committed three turnovers. The Blue Lions took it to the basket and on one possession missed four attempts including three consecutive tips. Chillicothe missed a one plus one with 11 seconds remaining.
A final 10-foot runner bounced off the rim for the home team, and Chillicothe had survived to stay undefeated in FAC play at (6-0).
Steward led everyone with 22 points. The Cavs put three players in double figures with the sophomore duo of Noel and Jayvon Maughmer hitting for 14 each. Branden Maughmer added 10.
Chillicothe was 22 of 45 for 49% from the floor. The Cavs were only 6-11 from the charity stripe.
Chillicothe (10-3) travels to Wilmington on Saturday night.
Chillicothe: B Maughmer 10; Noel 14; J Maughmer 14; J Jordan 5; W Roderick 6; S Roderick 3; J Benson 1
Washington CH: Steward 22; Upthegrove 7; Rarick 11; Matthew’s 5; O’Flaherty 2; Tayese 4;
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