Russellville tops Johnson 56-44 to advance
The Russellville varsity boys team stretched a seven-point halftime lead into a 21-point advantage early in the fourth quarter before Johnson rallied to cut the deficit to 48-40. The Golden Tigers then settled in defensively and held off the Jaguars for a 56-44 victory.
With the win Russellville advances to the Northwest Regional Tournament and will play Brewer at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville.
The Golden Tigers held Johnson to seven points in the third quarter – five of which came from free throws – by disrupting the Jags offense and forcing Johnson to score from the perimeter.
“That was the key, to cut down penetration,” Russellville coach Michael Smith said.
After Russellville extended its lead to 21 points in the fourth quarter, Johnson went on a 13-0 run to pull within striking distance.
Travis Daniels and Will Bostick scored 12 points each to lead the Golden Tigers. Darrian Graham added 11 points while Matthew Duncan scored eight points. Also scoring for Russellville were Brent Calloway (6), Adonis Robinson (5) and A.J. Elliott (2).
