by Lakemore, Ohio – The visiting Minerva Lions never trailed Saturday afternoon, holding off host Akron Springfield, 61-54, in Game #2 of the Springfield Holiday Showcase.
The Lions would lead 19-13 at the end of the first quarter thanks to the three ball. Brandon Davis, Rowen Hoffee, and Garrett Gonzalez each connected from long range.
In the second quarter, junior forward Garrett Gonzalez had nine of his 17 first half points to help the Lions keep the lead. Minerva would increase their lead to 35-25 going into the half.
Springfield would outscore Minerva, 12-6, in the third, thanks to baskets from Colin Siegferth, Braden Farmer, Brady Hahn, and Trenton Stevens. The Spartans would cut their deficit to 41-37 at the end of three.
The Spartans would tie the game, 43-43, and force a Minerva timeout with 5:20 left.
Minerva would respond thanks to a pair of free throws from Brandon Davis. They would maintain their lead thanks to connecting on 10 of 12 opportunities from the charity stripe.
Garrett Gonzalez led all scorers with 26 points for the Lions. Freshman guard Rowen Hoffee had 14 points, and senior guard Brandon Davis had 13.
Minerva (4-3) hosts Claymont Tuesday evening.
Akron Springfield (3-5) travels to East Palestine Tuesday evening. Junior guard Collin Siegferth had 13 points to lead the Spartans, and senior guard Trenton Stevens had 11.
Extended highlights here:
