MANSFIELD — Mansfield Senior’s boys basketball season got off to a belated start due to the football team’s journey to the Division III state championship game last weekend in Canton.

Saturday’s opening tip provided the lidlifter against Spire Academy, a prep school loaded with elite basketball talent, as part of the third annual Evolving Through Love Basketball Classic. The Tygers put up a solid fight before falling 59-44 at Pete Henry Gym.

  • The Tygers huddle around coach Marquis Sykes during Saturday’s season opener against Spire Academy.

  • IMG_6640.JPG
  • IMG_6643.JPG
  • IMG_6840.JPG
  • IMG_6914.JPG
  • IMG_6928 (1).JPG
  • IMG_6906.JPG
  • Spire Academy timeout

Coach Dawaud Abdur-Rahkman’s team opened a 15-7 first quarter lead and coasted to a 34-20 halftime bulge.

The Tygers climbed to within 44-32 heading to the fourth period, but Spire maintained its advantage throughout the final quarter for a convincing decision.

Roger Merrell led the Tygers with 19 points, while Kincada Gibson notched 13 points.

Spire’s Anthony Yu led his team in scoring with 17 points and Tyler Hamilton chipped in 10 points.