West Central had five players finished in double figures as the Trojans defeated the Tri-Valley Mustangs 71-62 on Tuesday, February 2nd, in Hartford.
The Trojans were able to slowly build a lead in the first half of the game. West Central led 12-8 after the first quarter and then pushed that lead to nine points at 34-25 by halftime. The momentum carried into the third quarter as the Trojans led by as many as 20, 53-33, late in the third quarter. Tri-Valley finished the quarter on a 5-1 run and trailed 54-38 heading into the fourth quarter. The Mustangs mounted a rally and got the game within single digits at 68-60 with :55 to play, but time ran out for the Mustangs as the Trojans held on for the win.
West Central shot 48% (24-50) from the field, 35% (8-23) from three-point area, but just 52% (15-29) from the free-throw line. Tri-Valley, meanwhile, shot 51% (20-39) from the field, 39% (7-18) from three-point area, and 71% (15-21) from the free-throw line. The Trojans out-rebounded Tri-Valley 30-23 in the game and held the advantage on turnovers at 11 to 18.
Wilson Droge had 13 points and five rebounds for the Trojans. Hunter Hagerty had 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Derrick Eich also had 11 points. Kasan Abedi finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, five steals, and five assists. Derek Eidsness also had 10 points, along with four rebounds.
Tri-Valley was led by Tyler Johnson with 27 points and four rebounds. Nick Hass had 17 points and three rebounds. Bryce Kienast had eight points, three rebounds, and three assists, and Riley Haynes had six points and nine rebounds.
West Central (8-5) will host Tea Area on Thursday, February 4th. Tri-Valley (6-7) will host Dell Rapids on Thursday, February 4th.