McMath beat MEI in high flying affair

The R.A. McMath Wildcats and the MEI Eagles squared off in the second to last game of the day in the AAA bracket. McMath survived a first quarter scare to take an incredibly high scoring game 97-92.

The game began with MEI soaring to a tremendous start. Big shot after big shot fell for the Eagles, and they had a 28-11 lead at the 3:15 mark of the first quarter. MEI still had a 13 point lead, but the comeback was on at that point. McMath outscored MEI 35-17 in the second quarter, on the backs of Rohan Balaggan and Bryce Mason — he hit two deep threes and finished the half with 24 points.

In the second half, the rain clouds started to appear and produce a downpour. Both teams exchanged threes throughout, highlight by an insane Klassen step back three. A deep three from Klassen late in the third gave the Eagles a 80-71 lead after three.

The fourth period could have gone either way. McMath went on a 14-7 run to tie it at 87, and after that is was a battle possession to possession. Ethan Buckham and Natron Gonzales exchanged threes, and then Radocaj went one for two from the line to give his team a three point lead. Jordin Kojima would do the same, and as time ran out McMath was able to claim the victory

Bryce Mason led the Wildcats with 30 points, while teammate Victor Radocaj had 22 points and 20 rebounds. For MEI, Isaiah Reimer had 46 points in the losing effort — he scored half of his team’s 92 points.

McMath play tomorrow at 6:45 pm, while MEI play tomorrow at 12:00 pm.