The Magnolia Blue Eagles outscored their OVAC Consolation guests. the University Hawks, 51-21 in the second half to win going away, 84-52 Feb. 10 inside the MHS HammerDome.

The Eagles took an early lead at 17-8 after one quarter of play, but would only hold a 33-25 advantage at the break.

Magnolia turned the defensive pressure on in the second half and got some easy transition buckets, while holding the powerful University Hawks to a mere eight points for the second time in three periods, extending the Blue Eagle lead to 58-33 with eight minutes remaining in regulation.

The Blue Eagles held close to a 40-point lead midway through the final period before settling for a 31 point victory.

“My guys came out and played good old fashion basketball tonight,” said MHS Head Basketball Coach Dave Tallman. “They played inspired ball and did what they had to do to get a victory.”

Spencer Campbell led the Eagles with 24 points, while Preston Boswell added 20 markers, including one basket from beyond the arc. Zach Wilhoite had a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, while swatting away four Hawk shot attempts.

In addition, Mitch Winters contributed eight markers, while Chase Miller and Derrick Blain each netted four points. Eric Smith, Kyle Ritz and Dillon Jackson each tacked on a deuce for all the Magnolia scoring.

Magnolia 66, Harrison Central 59

Magnolia fell behind 21-10 in the first quarter, outscored Harrison Central in every quarter the rest of the way to get the 66-59 road win Feb. 11 in the OVAC Consolation game.

The Magnolia dynamic duo of Boswell and Campbell combined to score 38 points, while Winters and Wilhoite followed suit with 22 points plus more than a dozen rebounds.

In addition, Ritz netted a pair of two pointers, while Tyler Anderson drained a deuce. The Eagles scored seven more goals and three more free throws than Harrison, but the home team converted eight more bonus bombs than did Harrison.