The MUS varsity basketball team took two of three games last week as the second round of region games began.
With an encouraging, energetic Homecoming crowd to cheer them on last Friday night, the Owls first looked to avenge a previous loss to a stubborn Harding squad.
Despite losing one of its starters early in the game to an injury, the Lions stayed close throughout as the team exchanged the lead 13 times during the contest. MUS took only a 4-point led into the break as Harding guarded well and hit key three-point field goals.
The Lions ultimately erased that deficit in the second half with their perimeter game as they sent the game into overtime.
In the first extra period, Jordan Brown hit an early three-pointer to give the Owls the lead, but Harding fought back to tie the game again. Then, the visitors tried to shorten the stanza by holding the ball, but neither team could make a key play, and the game went into a second overtime.
But in the second overtime, Philip May hit two crucial three-point shots to give MUS the lead, and they went on to win the classic, 59-57, to send the largest crowd of the season home happy.
The Owls were led by John Stokes' 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Ferrakohn Hall added 12 points and 4 rebounds.
The following evening, MUS traveled south to take on Division II small school Bishop Byrne.
With both teams' playing zone, the game was sloppy throughout as the Owls held only a 17-11 halftime advantage.
But MUS ultimately took control in the second half as they went on to the 48-32 win.
Hall was the offensive leader on this night as he tallied 16 points and 5 rebounds.
Then this past Tuesday, the Owls returned to region action, traveling to rival Christian Brothers.
The contest opened with fine play as both teams were clicking offensively.
While MUS had trouble stopping CBHS' Chris Walker inside, the Wave had equal trouble containing Elliott Cole, who hit for 20 points in the first half, over half of the team's total (39).
The game remained close into the second half as neither team held more than a 7-point advantage. In fact, the game was tied at 58 with 4:30 left.
But a Drew Barham three-pointer gave the Brothers the lead for good as the Wave went on to the 70-66 win.
Cole finished with a season-high 29 points as he remained hot throughout, while Louis Amagliani added 15 points in the disappointing loss.
MUS does not have any time to hang their heads as they continue in region action this Friday night. The Owls (17-7, 3-4) will travel to ECS as they attempt to sweep the season series. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.