It took all 32 minutes and some clutch free throws down the stretch to survive a short-handed Shelby squad, but Mansfield Senior (6-1) took home a 50-44 victory from the 419 Challenge at the O-Rena.

 

The game was tightly contested throughout with the margin between the two Richland County teams rarely exceeding one-possession during the second half. Without a pair of senior starters, Shelby hung with the veteran Tygers until the final seconds where Senior High was able to pull away behind a sharp 13-14 free throw performance in the final frame.

 

Quan Hilory netted a game-best 19 points for Mansfield, going a perfect 8-8 from the charity stripe and earned the “T-Y Hustle Chain” for his play at both ends of the floor. The win marks the sixth straight for the Tygers who will play their next five in OCC play.

 

Shelby (3-4) received a team-high 13 points from sophomore T.J. Pugh with Uriah Schwemley adding 11. The Whippets have now lost four of five including their last three without the services of 6’ 7” senior Hunter Hoffman and Nick Amstutz who are both expected to return after Christmas.