Senior guard Marcel Swinton scored 19 points and was involved in an unusual six-point swing during the third quarter that helped propel Morrilton to a 75-70 victory over host Maumelle in 5A-West action Friday night.
After Malik Singleton's tip-in with 2:55 left in the third quarter had given the Hornets a 42-41 lead, Swinton answered by drilling a three-pointer from the left corner. Swinton was fouled on the shot.
While Swinton made the free throw to complete the four-point play, teammate Chave Zackery was fouled while attempting to position himself for a rebound. Zackery hit his two free throws, giving Morrilton a 47-42 lead.
"I thought that changed the game for us," Morrilton Coach Keith Zackery said. "They were making a run and Swinton's shot swung the momentum back in our favor."
The Devil Dogs outscored Maumelle 15-4 in the final 2:43 of the third quarter and held a 56-46 advantage heading into the final eight minutes.
"That was very deflating," Maumelle Coach Michael Shook said. "But even with that, I'm proud of my kids. We were down 12 with two minutes to play and we cut it to three. We're playing hard. We're just not executing."
Morrilton (17-6, 7-3) and Maumelle (15-7, 7-3) are now tied for the conference lead, one game ahead of both Vilonia and Harrison. Two weeks ago, the Hornets were unbeaten in league play.
Maumelle pulled to within 67-64 when J.B. Minix hit a layin with 54 seconds remaining. The Hornets almost came up with a steal on the ensuing possession, but were instead called for a reaching violation, one of the 53 fouls called during the contest.
Chave Zackery put the game away by hitting four free throws during the next 10 seconds.
Morrilton hit its first 17 free-throw attempts and finished 28 of 34 from the line. Maumelle was 23 of 33.
Jacarius Stewart came off the bench and added 17 points for Morrilton while Zackery chipped in with 15.
Tremont Robinson led Maumelle with 19 points while Minix scored 18 and Tyshun Robinson 13.
MORRILTON (75)
Zackery 3 8-10 15, Black 1 3-4 6, Moore 1 0-0 2, Marc. Swinton 6 5-5 19, Marq. Swinton 0 6-6 6, Richardson 1 0-0 2, Stewart 6 4-6 17, White 1 2-3 5, Donald 1 0-0 3. Totals 20 28-34 75.
MAUMELLE (70)
Minix 6 5-6 18, Burton 4 0-0 9, Connor 1 0-0 2, Ty. Robinson 4 5-9 13, Tr. Robinson 5 8-9 19, Singleton 2 0-0 4, Johnson 0 4-6 4, Lott 0 0-0 0, E. Robinson 0 1-3 1. Totals 22 23-33 70.
Morrilton;11 21 24 19 -- 75
Maumelle;10 16 20 24 -- 70
Three-point goals -- Morrilton 7 (Marc. Swinton 2, Stewart, White, Donald, Zackery, Black). Maumelle 3 (Minix, Burton, Tr. Robinson). Team fouls -- Morrilton 26, Maumelle 27. Fouled out -- Ty. Robinson.
Sports on 02/14/2015