Rusk Eagles Gymnasium on Tuesday February 21, 2023 –
The Center Roughriders defeated the Madisonville Mustangs in a UIL Class 4A Basketball Bi-District Playoff, on Tuesday, by a narrow 63-62 final score. The game was played at Rusk Eagles High School, a neutral site. The Roughriders came in as the first place seed of District 17 and they now boast a 27-4 overall record. The Mustangs were the fourth-place representative of District 18 and finished the season with a 25-11 mark.
The game was close and hard-fought throughout. Center held a narrow 11-9 point lead midway through the first period. The game was tied at 17-17 at the end of the first period. Center gained a 25-21 advantage midway through the second frame and they led 37-31 at the midway break. Center outpaced the Mustangs 14-5 points in the third stanza to gain the biggest lead of the game. The Roughriders led 51-36 going into the final period of play. Madisonville was able to outscore CHS 26-12 in the final quarter but their comeback came up just short.
The Roughriders were led by Mar Mar Evans with 22 points, ‘Rider Cash Cross scored 14 and Bobo Gipson added 11 points to the Center tally sheet. Madisonville was led by Anqwan Morning and Cyrus Byrd who each scored 14 points apiece.
Center will next face the Hamshire-Fannett Longhorns on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 6 p.m. at Woodville Eagles Gymnasium. This will be the area round of the playoffs.
