The Thomas-Fay-Custer Terriers basketball team has a three game win streak after defeating Crescent 60- 38 Tuesday and winning the Three-Rivers-Tournament consolation last week at Fairview.
In the Three-Rivers-Tournament, they lost to Fairview 35-32. They bounced back Friday, beating Crescent 49-35 and beat Okarche 47- 45 Saturday.
Thomas 60, Crescent 38
The Terriers forced turnovers early and had a slight advantage with plays like Jaxen Mannering scoring a layup. Mannering also hit two 3-pointers in the second quarter and Thomas scored 21 points in the first half.
Thomas built a double-digit lead and never looked back as Mannering scored a fast break layup and Thomas won the game 60-38.
“I thought we played fairly well,” coach Elijah Zoschke said. “We are really close to putting a full game together. We responded well in the second half and played well.”
Fairview 35, Thomas 32
In the first round of the tournament, Thomas only allowed 7 points in the first quarter and was ahead by two possessions at the end of the first quarter. Gunnar Oakes scored a fast-break layup in the second quarter, giving the Terriers a 20-9 advantage. Thomas was ahead by 13 points, however Fairview came back in the fourth quarter. Fairview was ahead 31-27 and Noah Rainwater hit a 3-pointer making the score 31-30. However, Thomas lost the game 35- 32.
“At Thomas, we expect more, but we are glad to bring back hardware,” Zoschke said. “We just have to keep getting better and not be satisfied. We were challenged in this game and we did not do a good job finishing the game.”
Thomas 49, Crescent 35
The Terriers built a double digit advantage early in the second quarter. Crescent cut the lead to 9 points in the third quarter, but Noah Rainwater hit a 3-pointer. Parker Payne had two blocks in the third quarter. Thomas was ahead 37-24 going into the fourth quarter. Mannering had a block in the fourth quarter and Thomas won the game 49-35.
“It was one of those things where we tried to break the rust off of things,” Zoschke said. “We just hit the ground running and defended really well. These guys are mature and it showed by the way we came out and bounced back after losing Thursday.”
Thomas 47, Okarche 35
Thomas defended well and built a two-possession lead as Noah Rainwater scored a 3-pointer in the second quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Thomas built a 10-point lead as Mannering buried a 3-pointer, making the score 42- 32. Okarche made a comeback, but Thomas held on for the victory.
“Okarche was a good win,” Zosche said. “It is always good to beat a Top-20 team and they are a powerhouse year in and year out. I was so proud of my guys after this win.”
Thomas played at Okarche Friday and returns to action, 8 p.m. today at Cashion.