Tigers defeated by Center in regular-season finale

KANSAS CITY ---- The Nevada Tigers boys basketball team was dealt a 66-44 defeat by Center High School in their regular-season finale Friday night in Kansas City.

The Tigers led 18-15 after one quarter of play, but were outscored 13-5 in the second frame, as Center grabbed a 28-18 halftime lead.

"We started the game well and executed the game plan," Nevada head coach Shaun Gray said. "Unfortunately as the game went on we wore down and struggled to keep up in transition."

Center had a big third quarter, outscoring the Tigers 26-13, as they pulled away for the 22-point victory.

"Our inability to contain the dribble hurt us throughout the game," Gray said. "Center made eight 3-pointers to help them pull away in the second half."

For Nevada, sophomore center Clay Gayman finished with a game-high 24 points, while point guard Daulton Shepard added nine.

Up next

The Nevada Tigers were awarded the No. 2 seed in the MSHSAA Class 4 District 13 basketball tournament, Feb. 29 through March 1 in Clinton. Bolivar (20-4) is the top seed, followed by Nevada (14-9), Clinton (9-14), Warrensburg (8-15), Pleasant Hill (5-18), and Harrisonville (6-16).

With the No. 2 seed, Nevada receives an opening-round bye, and is set to face the winner of the Clinton vs. Harrisonville game in the semifinals, March 1 at 8:30 p.m.