HOT SPRINGS -- Forrest City senior R.J. Glasper went without a three-pointer during the Mustangs' final two regular-season games. The Hope Bobcats got no such break Wednesday afternoon.
Glasper hit seven three-pointers and finished with 36 points as the Mustangs routed the Bobcats 84-44 in the first round of the Class 5A state tournament at the Bank of the Ozarks Arena.
"I wasn't really worried about my shots," Glasper said. "I just went back to the gym and did some extra work. I was confident we would play well today."
Forrest City (23-3) finished 11 of 17 from three-point range as the Mustangs extended their winning streak to 19 games.
Glasper scored 16 points in the first quarter and had 24 by halftime as the Mustangs opened up a 50-24 advantage.
"When you see R.J. make shots like he did, that changed the whole flow of everything," Forrest City Coach Dwight Lofton said. "He was something else today. It was all positive."
Glasper had plenty of help. Junior guard Trajuan Norment scored 17 of his 23 points in the first half and finished with six rebounds. Senior Montrell Randle handed out eight assists in the first half. He finished with 9 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals.
Before the reserves played the final eight minutes, Forrest City was 31 of 50 from the floor, including a 10 of 15 effort during the third quarter, in which the Mustangs turned their 50-24 halftime lead into a 79-34 advantage.
About the only thing the Mustangs did not do well was hit free throws. They were 9 of 25 from the line, including a 1 of 6 effort in the game's first three minutes.
"Yes, it concerned me because it was so early in the game," Lofton said. "But we'll work on that. We'll get it fixed."
Jacobe Brown led Hope (17-10) with 11 points while junior Desmond McDonald came off the bench to lead the Bobcats in rebounding with six.
MAGNOLIA 51, PARAGOULD 44
Junior forward Trey Davis chased down a loose ball and turned it into a dunk with 32 seconds remaining, helping the Panthers (17-6) hold on to a victory over the Rams (20-6).
Paragould's Deandre Cullins attempted to save a ball from going out of bounds, flipping it from the baseline to midcourt. Davis, who had hit a free throw seconds earlier to give Magnolia a 47-43 lead, gained control of the ball at midcourt between two Paragould defenders and broke away for the dunk. On the ensuing possession, Davis again caught up with a loose ball, which led to a Malik Dunn layup.
Dunn led the Panthers with 13 points. Davis finished with 12 points and seven rebounds.
Paragould senior Brandon Clifford scored a game-high 16 points and collected seven rebounds. Collin Kingston added 12 points, 10 of which came in the second half.
VALLEY VIEW 70, WATSON CHAPEL 32
Senior forward Adam Horn and senior guard Alexander Gorton combined for 43 points as the Blazers stunned the Wildcats. Horn had 22 points and Gorton 21. Senior Matt Owens added 10 for Valley View, which led 35-21 at the half. Darrell Williams scored 11 and Tyriq Goodwin 10 for Watson Chapel.
Sports on 03/03/2016