Having returned from the Carbondale holiday tournament in Illinois, the MUS varsity basketball team awaited the Cordova Wolves and Harding Academy Lions during the first week of the second semester.
MUS first took on Cordova last Friday and began well as they led 15-4 at the end of the first quarter. However, the Wolves took advantage of the Owls’ second-quarter cold shooting and caught up, tying the game at 24 at the break.
Yet MUS started off the second half hustling and built a lead. Louis Amagliani grabbed a total of 10 missed shots while Ferrakohn Hall scored 27 and Elliott Cole 21. The Owls’ hustle ultimately contributed to the 63-54 win.
The Owls then took on the Harding Lions (12-7) this past Tuesday in the region opener on the road.
MUS looked sluggish early as smaller Lions stayed close. Ultimately, Harding out-rebounded the Owls, 36-29, as they grabbed the 11-point halftime advantage.
In the second half, MUS closed the gap, but 10 missed free throws hurt significantly while Harding hit a strong 18-24 as the Lions won going away, 55-46.
John Stokes led the Owls in scoring with 16 points, and Hall added 15 points and 8 rebounds in the losing effort.
MUS (13-4, 0-1) returns to action this Friday night to take on rival CBHS at home. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.