MANSFIELD — A dreadful start didn’t deter Mansfield Senior on Saturday night.
The Tygers overcame a two-point first quarter and rallied to roll past Madison 55-45 in an Ohio Cardinal Conference boys basketball encounter that closed the league season for both teams.
The Rams opened an 11-2 first quarter lead, but Senior High began to claw back in the second period and drew within 20-15 at halftime.
Mansfield Senior really took control in the third quarter, outscoring Madison 21-5 in the frame to open a 36-25 bulge heading to the final eight minutes. Senior High hung on from there.
Maurice Ware paced the Tygers with a team-high 19 points and eight rebounds. Teammate Jakob Legron added seven points.
Jayden Jeffries topped the Rams with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Levi Zehner chipped in 10 points.
Madison, which has lost four straight, suffered 14 turnovers to 10 for the Tygers. Senior High outscored the Rams 20-10 on points in the paint.
The victory stops a 10-game losing streak for Mansfield Senior. The Tygers (5-15 overall, 3-9 in the OCC) begin their tournament odyssey against Galion on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at Bucyrus High School.
Madison (11-10, 4-8) tangles with Bowling Green in the Rossford sectional on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
