(Elk Horn) Exira-EHK used a big start the 4th quarter to put away CAM Friday night in boys basketball. The Spartans picked up a 53-38 home win.
The Spartans gained separation with a 16-2 stretch early in the 4th. It turned a 35-32 cushion into a 51-34 advantage. Easton Nelson scored 18 points, Jackson Radcliff added 11, and Trey Petersen played stout defense on CAM’s leading scorer as the Spartans won their 3rd straight game.
Petersen and Aiden Flathers each connected on 4th quarter 3-pointers to help douse any CAM comeback hopes. The Cougars often fought back, but couldn’t get over the hump. The visitors were led by Cade Ticknor’s 18 points night. They battled back to tie the game at 19-all late in the first half and trailed by just two at the break.
Exira-EHK kept the opposition at arm’s length throughout the 3rd, leading by anywhere from a two to eight point margin. They hit their first six free-throws of the 2nd half, but the big factor was their defensive effort. CAM came in at 4-0 with an average of 59 points per game. The Cougars managed just 38 in their first loss of the year including only six in the 4th quarter.
