Photo used with permission by Sara Stadem

A first quarter scoring advantage proved to be the difference for the McCook Central/Montrose Fighting Cougars as they defeated the Tri-Valley Mustangs 57-52 on Tuesday, February 15th.

The Cougars outscored Tri-Valley 18-13 in the first quarter and that difference stayed almost constant the entire game.  Every time the Mustangs got within two or three points, McCook Central/Montrose had an answer to push the lead back to five or seven points.  The Cougars led by five at halftime, 29-24.  Their lead was six points at the end of the third quarter, 47-41.  Tri-Valley got within three points, 55-52, after a three-pointer by Lance DeWitt with :15 to play, but the Cougars made two free throws to ice the game.

The Mustangs shot 42% (21-50) in the game, 29% (5-17) on three pointers, and 5-10 from the free-throw line.  McCook Central/Montrose finished 40% (21-53) shooting, 7-23 from three-point area, and 8-10 from the free-throw line.

Cory McDonald had 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.  DeWitt finished with 13 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists.  Connor Christensen also had 13 points along with eight rebounds, and two blocked shots.  Noah Haynes had seven points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists.

Tri-Valley (4-14) will host Baltic on Monday, February 21st.