Marauders continue strong run through conference, beating the Spartans 59-46
By: Joshua Jacob
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ALBANY, Ohio (WOUB) — The Meigs Marauders (10-6, 6-1) visited the Alley for their first conference matchup against the Alexander Spartans (4-13, 1-7). This game featured some dominant performances but ended 59-46, a score that doesn’t tell the full story.
Early in the game, it was clear there was a defensive focus on Meigs senior Carson Davis. Every time he was near the paint, two more Alexander defenders would converge on him. Anytime there was an overload in the paint, the Marauders would kick it out and cash in with an open three. This didn’t continue, though, as the Spartans got out to defend the three faster. This suffocating defense forced Meigs to take difficult shots, which helped Alexander get their offense going.
Jace Cooper was the clear first option at the beginning of the game, and he delivered, getting some tough shots to fall, but this would fizzle out quickly, forcing the Spartans to get creative. Cooper ended as one of the leading scorers for Alexander with 11 points, three rebounds, and four blocks.
Alexander adjusted their spacing and were able to get more open looks in the paint and even find some leverage in the mid-range. This back and forth ended the first quarter 13-11
In the second quarter, Meigs came out more physical, closing passing lanes and flying to the ball quicker. They focused on using their size advantage and getting the ball to Carson Davis. With the ball in his hands, he became more aggressive, fighting through double teams and finding ways to get to the rim. When he wasn’t in the paint, he was behind the arc, and he was automatic, shooting just under 50 percent from three, going four for nine. He ended the game with 27 points and eight rebounds, and Meigs ended the half up 30-15.
After the half, the Spartans came out fired up and found points in the paint, courtesy of the Spartans’ leading scorer, Noah Graves. Graves had a big night in the paint, shooting almost 70 percent with 15 points.
The game slowed after the opening minutes of the third, however, with Alexander losing control of the ball and the Marauders losing their aggressive intensity on defense. The Spartans did enough to cut into the lead, but not by much, leaving the third down 41-32.
In the fourth, Alexander lost their edge, unable to close out on Meigs as effectively as before. The Marauders did a good job of slowing down and picking the Spartans apart with their passing and finding open looks. Meigs also did a good job of closing the game out strong in the paint. Alexander only made one shot from three in the entire game, and when they were looking for points inside down the stretch, the Marauders were there, contesting everything.
With the last couple of minutes on the board, both teams pulled their starters, and the game ended 59-46.
Meigs will return home to defend home court against the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes on Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Alexander will hit the road looking to bounce back against the Wellston Golden Rockets on Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m.