Tigers Snap Four-Game Skid

MT. ZION, Ill. (WPRS)-It has been twenty long days, but finally the  Paris Tigers are back on the winning side of a scoreboard.

The Tigers snapped a four-game losing streak with 41-38 thriller over the Mt. Zion Braves. The win was the first for Paris since the Effingham St. Anthony tourney on December 29th.

Paris got off to a sluggish start allowing Mt. Zion's Grant Pyatt to score easily in the lane, taking a 14-8 lead after one quarter. The second quarter would shift the momentum to the black and orange as Dalten Temples and Cory Cunningham were able to drive and create opportunities to take the lead 23-18 going into the half.

The third quarter would be a back-and-forth battle as the Tigers and Braves would trade baskets, until Mt. Zion tied the game at 28. Paris would hit the final basket of the quarter and take a slim 30-28 lead.

Mt. Zion would take the lead late in the fourth quarter with two minutes remaining 38-37. Paris lost the ball on a mishandled pass and Mt. Zion would drive to the basket on a layup. Josh Cary came from behind and blocked the shot, shifting momentum in Paris' favor. Cary then scored off of a missed Dalten Temples shot to give the Tigers a 39-38 lead. Clay Bess would also score on a wide open layup to make the score 41-38. Mt. Zon had two chances to tie the game with less than 20 seconds left but the Tigers defense clamped down and sealed the Victory.

Josh Griffin and Cary chipped in 10 points, while Cunningham scored nine for Paris. Coach Nugent praised his teams toughness and composure on not giving up the lead late in the victory. Paris improves to 12-6 on the season and 3-3 in Apollo conference.

The Tigers now will prepare for a tough rivalry game in Ernie Eveland gym against county foe Chrisman Friday. The game will be broadcast on Paris Country 1440 WPRS and online at wprsam.com