4A-5 BOYS

Lonoke rights ship after tough third quarter

Lonoke opened up a 14-point lead at the half, withstood a rally by Pulaski Academy in the third quarter, then held on for a 55-51 victory over the Bruins on the road Tuesday night.

The Jackrabbits (8-8, 2-5 4A-5) were outscored 25-9 by the Bruins (7-7, 3-4) in the third quarter to fall behind by two .

"Shots are going to have a lot to do with it, and they missed a lot of shots in the first half," Lonoke Coach Dean Campbell said. "We talked about that they were going to make a run, and those shots they have been missing, they are going to make them."

The Bruins scored seven points quickly in the third quarter and stymied the Jackrabbits throughout the quarter. Tyrique Jackson's basket with 2:53 left in the quarter pulled the Jackrabbits within 38-36. Pulaski Academy led 43-40 at the end of the third quarter.

Lonoke opened the fourth quarter on a 10-1 run to take a 50-44 lead with 2:14 left. The Bruins got as close as 52-50 with 1:03 to play, but that was it.

"We are a pretty good shooting team," Campbell said. "If we really guard on defense, it flows well and the intensity carries over to our offense. We are a lot more offensive-minded like kids these days. But if we guard, those shots that happen in rhythm will happen."

Tony Bryant and Jackson each had a game-high 20 for Lonoke. Griffin Newby scored 18 points to lead the Bruins, and Alex Brogdon added 13.

Sports on 01/16/2019

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