Wendy Haun
RICHMOND — A strong second-half surge, including a 25-point third-quarter performance, put Breathitt County over Model in the finals of the Shirley Kearns Holiday Invitational, 72-65.
Model (8-4) led 16-13 after the first quarter and 38-29 at halftime, but fell behind in the third quarter as Breathitt County outscored the Patriots, 43-27 in the second half.
Model closed the gap to 63-all with four minutes left in the game off a Dennis Smith basket, but the Bearcats (9-1) scored the next four points to end the Patriots’ momentum and went 9-2 the rest of the way.
Smith led Model with 31 points, including scoring all three of the Patriots’ three-pointers. Anders Kipp had a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards, while Matt Witt fell just short of the same distinction, scoring nine points and nabbing 14 boards. Hunter Conner and A.J. Hammons each added four points and Gabe Cormney chipped in three. The Patriots were outrebounded, 59-42.
The Bearcats sole loss this season was an 89-84 setback against Harlan County.
Model will return to action Tuesday against Nicholas County. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. in Richmond.
