Nevada boys let one slip away vs. Joplin

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Herald-Tribune

CARTHAGE, Mo. -- John McNeley called it a frustrating night.

It would be hard to argue with that assessment. McNeley's Nevada High School boys basketball team let one slip away on Friday night, falling to Joplin 71-68 in overtime in a semifinal contest of the Carthage Invitational.

The Tigers held a 12-point lead at the half, but Joplin rallied in the second half and pulled ahead. Nevada's Cory Kerbs hit two free throws to send the game into overtime, but the Eagles were able to earn the victory in the extra session. Joplin hit a couple of big three-pointers to pull away in overtime. Nevada had a chance to tie at the end, but was unable to get a three-pointer up.

As far as his team losing a 12-point cushion, McNeley said it was definitely frustrating to watch.

"I don't know what the answer is," McNeley said. "We have to figure some things out. We had it in hand. We just didn't seem to have the same energy in the second half. We didn't have a lot of good offensive possessions in the second half. It was frustrating."

Nevada will now play for third place today at 3 p.m. against Heritage. Carthage and Joplin will play for the title.

Silas Smith scored 21 points and Bubba Banes added 17 for the Tigers.

Joplin 71, Nevada 68, OT

NE 19 25 10 8 6 -- 68

JO 13 19 16 14 9 -- 71

Nevada: Kerbs 7, Smith 21, Wolfe 4, Ferry 4, I. Colopy 4, Banes 17, Enriquez 2, N. Colopy 1, Bryson 7, Herdliska 3.

Joplin: Brown 31, Hueller 13, Stokes 9, Williams 8, Allen 6, Franks 2, St. Peter 2.

Carthage Invitational

Today's schedule

Seventh place, Noon

Central vs. Monett

Fifth place, 1:30

Neosho vs. Seneca

Third place, 3 p.m.

Nevada vs. Heritage

Title game, 4:30 -- Carthage vs. Joplin.

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