(Hillsboro, MO) The Mineral Area Cardinals Men's basketball team once again clashed with the Jefferson College Vikings, aiming to maintain their dominance on the court. The showdown, held at Jefferson College, saw the MAC team secure a wire-to-wire lead and a convincing 86-60 victory over their opponents.
Entering the game with an impressive 23-1 record and holding the #2 spot in the latest NJCAA D1 Men's Basketball poll, the Mineral Area Cardinals were determined to build upon their previous success against Jefferson College. Just 20 days prior, the MAC team had delivered a commanding performance, overpowering the Vikings with a staggering 118-45 win.
Despite the previous lopsided scoreline, the Mineral Area Cardinals encountered a spirited and hard-fought effort from the Jefferson Vikings this time around. The Vikings demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the game, refusing to back down despite facing a double-digit deficit for much of the contest.
Key factors in the Cardinals' victory included their crashing of the boards and playmaking ability. Led by standout performer Preston Turner, who delivered an impressive 26 points and was named the KFMO Sports player of the game, the MAC team showcased their athleticism and scoring ability. Josh Meo and Savon Sutton also made significant contributions, adding 19 and 10 points respectively to the Cardinals' tally.
In their previous matchup, no Jefferson player managed to score in double digits, highlighting the defensive ability of the Mineral Area Cardinals. Although Amarion Dickerson had led the MAC team in scoring with 22 points in their previous encounter, his role was limited in the rematch, with reduced minutes compared to his usual involvement.
While the point margin was narrower compared to their previous encounter, the Mineral Area Cardinals ultimately emerged victorious, maintaining their undefeated record in Region 16 standings with a perfect record. Despite the spirited effort from the Jefferson Vikings, the MAC team's relentless defense and turnover ability proved to be one of the decisive factors in securing the win.
As the Mineral Area Cardinals continue their journey through the final push of the season, they will look to build upon this victory and maintain their momentum as they strive for continued success on the court.
Next on the schedule for the Mineral Area Cardinals is a matchup against Three Rivers Community College on Wednesday, February 14th, at 7:00pm on KFMO and KFMOsportsPLUS. The game will take place at Three Rivers Community College in Missouri.
