The Newton Tigers proved they can win big last Tuesday (they won by 42) but on Saturday they proved they can win the close ones too. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 62-59 win over Mendenhall. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory Newton has posted yet this season.
When it comes to explaining why Mendenhall lost, one person who can't be blamed is Montavis Hobbs. Despite the final result, he scored 30 points along with nine blocks and seven rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Hobbs has scored all season. Jay Rankin was another key contributor, scoring three points along with nine assists and six steals.
Newton is on a roll lately: they've won ten of their last 11 contests, which provided a nice bump to their 13-6 record this season. As for Mendenhall, their defeat ended a five-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 16-4.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Newton will take on Lake at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Mendenhall, Mendenhall and Morton will face off at 7:30 p.m. on January 17th without much rest after finishing up games yesterday. Morton is coming into the contest hot, having won their last three games.
