SBMOP WINTER CLASSIC: Eagles fall short against Blue Devils

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on December 29, 2016 9:57 AM

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MOUNT OLIVE -- South Lenoir imposed its defensive prowess on Rosewood in a suffocating opening quarter, then remained stingy en route to a 53-44 triumph over the Eagles yesterday in second round play of the Southern Bank/Mount Olive Pickle Winter Classic.

"We didn't handle their ball pressure well in the first," said head coach Daniel Mitchell, "and had a hard time getting into our offense."

Rosewood managed just two points in the stanza, but rallied behind a superb effort from Tucker Chapin and Chance Howard, who combined for 29 of the team's 44 points.

The Eagles trimmed the deficit to 38-34 after three periods, but were victimized by turnovers over the final eight minutes.

Junior foward Justin Dixon led the way for South Lenoir, filing nine points and seven rebounds in the Blue Devils' triumph.

Rosewood plays Spring Creek today at 2:30 p.m. in the event's seventh-place game, while South Lenoir will play Southern Wayne at 4 p.m.