Jackson tops Eagles with second half run

The number-five seed Oran Eagles led the number-four seeded Jackson Indians 30-25 at the halftime intermission, but the class 5 Indians used their superior height and depth to take control during the final two stanzas to pull away for a 73-46 quarterfinal round victory last night in the 73rd Annual SEmissourian Christmas Tournament at the Show-Me Center.

Coach Joe Shoemaker said, "We played very hard, but didn’t match their intensity at the very start of the second half.  I thought except for a few spots we really worked hard on blocking out and rebounding which allows us to get it and go. We didn’t get to the free throw line very much and didn’t shoot it well from the perimeter.  Combine that with their ability to shut everything down at the rim and it didn’t give us a good result. I am glad we got to play such a talented team because it shows how important it is to come ready to work and improve every practice and game."

Jacob Shoemaker had 13 points, including a trey,  to lead the Eagles, who fell to 6-2 with the loss.  Cole Priggel also reached double figures with 10.

Layne Johnson finished with eight, while Todd Priggel tossed in seven.  They both hit one three-pointer apiece.  Drew Reischman added six points.

Oran hit only 3 of 8 from the line for 38%.

The Eagles will be back in action on Friday at 3 pm when they take on a 7-3 ninth-seeded Chaffee Red Devil squad in the fifth-place bracket.

All the tournament coverage can be found at www.semoball.com.