It was a game of runs. A very talented Commonwealth Academy (Springfield, MA) jumped out to a quick lead against Hargrave then grinded their way to a 21-18 edge after the first quarter. A great defensive effort from the Tigers in the second quarter changed the momentum, as they allowed just 11 points to enter the locker room with a 34-31 edge at halftime.
The third quarter saw more scrappy play from Commonwealth Academy, as they utilized a number of second chance opportunities to shift the lead back to their advantage, 51-48, by the time the third quarter closed.
In the final frame, however, the Tigers offense would come alive. Tyler Chisholm scored 13 of his game high 32 points (6 3PTM, 5 Steals) in the 4th quarter to pace a 24 point Hargrave 4th that would give them a 10 point advantage in the waning moments of the game. A last second Commonwealth push brought the game to its final score of 72-68 in favor of the Tigers.
Playing with a shortened bench due primarily to injury, the Tigers got meaningful contributions from every player that suited up. Keon McIntosh logged a double double (11 points, 10 rebounds), Jason Fields (12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks and 3 steals) was all over the court the entire game and nearly brought the house down with a rim-rocking put-back dunk off a free throw miss in the 1st quarter, and Robert Tubbs (17 points, 2 3PTM) all filled the stat sheet for the Tigers.
Hargrave will be back in action after the Thanksgiving break, hosting Holy Cross in the Walter Davis Gymnasium, December 5th at 5:30
Tigers Hold Off Tornados in Home Opener
