MBK: Tops Upset #20 Niagara, 81-74

The Tri-C Men's Basketball team improved to 7–1 with a strong showing against the #20 ranked Niagara County Thunderwolves. The Tops jumped out to an early lead as the home court favored the good guys early. The team looked sharp, and shots were falling to the tune of a 53-38 halftime lead.

Pharrell House led the Tops in scoring with 22 points including a perfect 5-5 from the line. House was joined by Jeffries (15), Devonte Greene (14), and Ezra McKee (12). Manny Hill was ferocious on the glass as he pulled down 15 rebounds to go with his team-leading seven assists. 

The Thunder Wolves came out of the second half roaring and opened with a 20-12 run that forced Coach Nixon to call a timeout. Over the next several minutes, the teams went back and forth as the 20th-ranked Thunderwolves closed the gap to three at 73-70 with 2:33 left in the game.

Coach Nixon called upon his closer Howard Jefferies, and he delivered as he closed the game on a personal 7-0 run. His array of layups, post moves, and free throws down the stretch sealed the deal and helped the Tops improve to 7-1.

The Tops held the 20th-ranked Thunder Wolves to only 39.2% field goal percentage and only 5-22 from beyond the arc. The Top's defense pressed and stifled the visitors and only allowed 10 free throw attempts.

The Tops return to the floor Wednesday, 29 Nov 2023, when they battle conference foe Hocking. Tip-off is at 6p at the Metro gym. Admission is free come support the TOPS!!!