In a game where it never trailed, Mustang (OK) had to hold off a furious comeback by St. Edward (OH) for a 73-64 victory to advance to the consolation bracket championship game in the 35th Annual Beach Ball Classic. Mustang (4-2) will face Mullins (SC) in that consolation title contest and have to defend against Jalek Felton, who scored a tournament best 55 points earlier Wednesday.
Mustang scored the first 11 points of the contest and cruised into halftime with a 35-20 advantage. St. Edward (4-3; Lakewood, OH) came out for the second half on fire and used a 16-2 run to cut the gap to just one point at 37-36 with 11:55 to play. During the run, St. Edward connected on 7-of-10 from the field.
The Broncos responded by scoring the next 10 points to push the margin back to double digits at 47-36 with 9:26 to play. The game of runs continued after Mustang stretched the lead to 52-37 with 8:44 one the clock. This time, it was a 17-2 run buy the Eagles as they soared back to within a point at 55-54 with 4:48 remaining in regulation. It was Mustang’s turn and eight consecutive points proved to be too much as the Broncos held on for the win.
Mustang was led by Curtis Haywood’s 25 points as he connected on 10-of-13 from the field. Jakolby Long added 17 points and 13 rebounds for the Broncos.
Thomas Schmock led four St. Edward players in double figures with 15 points. Dean Flannery added 14 points while Daniel Chambers and Kelvin Calhoun added 11 points each for the Eagles.
