Tyler Smith
CONNERSVILLE, Ind. – A sluggish second quarter proved to be the difference on Tuesday as the Northeastern boys basketball team fell 69-56 to Connersville at the Spartan Bowl.
“I think we will learn from this game and be ready to play Union City on Friday,” Northeastern Head Coach Brent Ross said.
Northeastern (18-4, 6-0) finishes the regular season at home against the Indians (11-10, 2-4) as the Knights look for their third straight Tri-Eastern Conference title.
The Class 2A No. 2 Knights trailed 20-18 after the first period. By halftime, the Spartans were on top 35-20.
The Knights closed the gap to 48-40 after three quarters, but the Spartans were able to maintain their distance the rest of the way.
Tyler Smith led Northeastern with 23 points against the Spartans (19-5).
Robert Smith added 18 points and a team-high seven rebounds for the Knights.
Box Score
NORTHEASTERN (18-4) – Tyler Smith 9 0-0 23, Bailey Stewart 3 2-6 9, Robert Smith 7 4-6 18, Nate Reynolds 1 0-0 3, DaShawn Hampton 0 0-0 0, Kaleb Mikesell 0 0-0 0, Gabe Beatty 0 0-0 0, Jalen Hillard 0 0-0 0, Austin Clay 1 0-0 3, Harrison Rice 0 0-0 0, Alex Reynolds 0 0-0 0. Team – 21 6-12 56.
CONNERSVILLE (19-5) – Graves 1 2-3 4, Silcott 4 10-10 19, Billups 4 0-0 10, G.Smith 2 16-16 20, Isaacs 6 2-3 16, Sullenbarger 0 0-0 0, Lee 0 0-0 0, Revalee 0 0-0 0, Belt 0 0-0 0, W. Smith 0 0-0 0, Huffman 0 0-0 0. Team – 17 30-32 69.
Northeastern 16 20 40 56
Connersville 18 35 48 69
3-pointers – Northeastern 8 (T. Smith 5, Stewart 1, Clay 1, N. Reynolds 1), Connersville 5 (Billups 2, Isaacs 2, Silcott). Rebounds – Northeastern 16 (R. Smith 7), Connersville 29. Turnovers – Northeastern 12, Connersville 17. Fouls – Northeastern 23, Connerville 15.