It was less than two months ago that Elliott County blew out Morgan County to the tune of 53 points in Sandy Hook. The Lions were hoping for a similar result Monday night in West Liberty.
The Cougars would have nothing of it.
Matthew Perry's team gave Elliott its toughest regional test of the season. The Lions scored their customary 20-plus points in the first quarter on the strength a combined four three-point baskets from Ethan Faulkner and Jonathan Ferguson. But Morgan answered with 21 points of its own, including a three-pointer by Tanner Roy to tie the game at 17. Elliott led 26 - 21 at the end of one quarter.
The Cougars defense tightened in the second period, holding Elliott to only four field goals. Morgan kept pace with baskets by Cameron Dunn, Tanner Roy, Mikie Fyffe and a three-pointer from Tyler Adkins to trail by 40 - 33 at the half.
Morgan showed no letup in the third quarter. Five Cougars scored, including four points from Roy, to pull within two late in the period. Morgan actually had two chances to take the lead, but misfired on a pair of three-point attempts late in the period. Elliott led by nine heading into the final quarter.
Down 59 - 55, the Cougars blew yet another golden opportunity with a miss on a wide open layup. Ferguson immediately made Morgan pay with a three-point basket to push the lead to seven. Morgan pulled back within five (66-61) with under three minutes to go, but missed the front end of a one and one. Meanwhile, Chris Knipp carried the offensive load for the Lions, scoring seven of the team's 17 points in the fourth quarter to account for the 11-point win.
Morgan came into the game having won six of its last seven, but saved its best effort of the season against the Lions.
"We have really grown as a team over last month," said Cougar coach Matthew Perry on Tuesday. "Our guard play has drastically improved, especially with passing the basketball. Our kids were not intimidated to play Elliott the second time around. I'm proud of our effort."
Dunn led four players in double figures with 14 points, while Adkins finished with 13. Roy and Fyffe scored 11 and 10 points, respectively. Colby Jones tallied seven points. Joel Nickell and Jerrad Smith scored four apiece.
The Lions were led by a game-high 27 points from Ferguson, with Ethan Faulkner tossing in 14. Knipp scored eight of his 11 points in the final eight minutes. Timmy Knipp and Evan Faulkner finished with 10 and nine points, respectively.