MAC Takes Down Three Rivers On The Road

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — The Mineral Area College men's basketball team secured an important Region 16 road win Saturday afternoon, defeating Three Rivers College 61–53.

With the victory, the Cardinals improve to 17–10 overall and 7–3 in conference play, while the Raiders fall to 19–9 overall and 7–4 in league action.

Mineral Area established control early, taking a 30–25 lead into halftime behind strong defensive play and efficient shooting. The Cardinals continued their steady performance in the second half, adding 31 points and limiting Three Rivers' scoring opportunities to secure the eight-point win.

Maki Joyner provided a spark off the bench to lead Mineral Area with a game-high 20 points, shooting 9-of-13 from the field and connecting on two three-pointers. Terron Garrett added 10 points and a team-high seven assists, while Nassir Binion contributed nine points and five rebounds. Edwon Duling Jr. and Nazir Allen each added seven points in the balanced offensive effort.

Defensively, the Cardinals controlled the interior throughout the contest. Ngundeng Ruey anchored the paint with 10 rebounds and three blocked shots, helping Mineral Area record six total blocks and hold Three Rivers to 30 percent shooting from the field.

With the road win over Three Rivers, MAC took sole possession of first place in Region 16 with two regular season games remaining and the playoffs nearing.  The Cardinals will return to action at home on Wednesday, February 25 against MSU West Plains.