The Mount Pleasant Tigers had no trouble handing the Marshall Mavericks their 22nd loss of the season on Friday as they cruised to a 65-37 win. The victory puts the Tigers just one win away from completing a perfect regular season which they will look to accomplish on Tuesday evening at home.

The Tigers took control early, dominating the first quarter by forcing 10 Marshall turnovers and opening an 18-3 lead. Payton Chism opened up the scoring on a corner three and then Kai Price followed up with a transition layup, two of the Tigers’ 16 transition points on the night. Carter Chism would snatch a steal and score and Kelcey Morris put Mount Pleasant up 9-2 on a pull jumper forcing a Marshall timeout. The break in action did not phase the Tigers as they doubled their points the rest of that quarter then used a 15-2 run in the second quarter to lead 35-10 at halftime.

The second half saw the Tigers hit cruise control as the refs tightened up the action calling 45 fouls in the contest and sending both teams to the line for a combined 51 free throws. Marshall would tie the Tigers at 16 apiece in the third quarter and Mount Pleasant would win the fourth 14-11 as the Mavericks couldn’t muster up enough juice to mount a comeback.

Payton Chism led all scorers with 14 points along with 2 rebounds and 4 steals. Kai Price and Kelcey Morris each had double figures with 11 points. Price took away 3 steals while Morris handed out 3 assists with 3 steals. Carter Chism added 9 points and 3 assists, Xavier Hills had 8 points and 2 rebounds, and Reggie Webster added 7 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Luke Hampton chipped in 3 points and De’Keivous Heath added 2 points.

The Tigers (32-0, 13-0) will play their final regular season and home game on Tuesday, February 14 versus Tyler (20-9, 9-4) at Willie Williams Gym. The six Tiger seniors will be honored before the match as tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM. Freshmen and JV will play at 5:00 PM and 6:15 PM respectively. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mpisd.net/athletic-tickets.