RAPID CITY, SD – The St. Thomas More Cavaliers used smothering pressure defense and hot shooting to beat the Sturgis Scoopers on Friday night, 59-37.
The Cavaliers drained four threes and seven of 11 shots in the first quarter, jumping out to an 18-8 lead. STM maintained their 10 point lead at intermission, 29-19.
The Scoopers came out in the third quarter with a renewed energy as Teigen Wormstadt scored two quick buckets, but Cavalier sharpshooter Wyatt Gylten responded by dropping in eight points, extending the STM lead to 45-29 after three quarters.
Both teams emptied their benches midway through the fourth quarter, giving the reserves some playing time. The Cavaliers outscored Sturgis 14-8 in the final stanza to earn the 59-37 victory.
St. Thomas More (6-1) was led by Gylten with 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field. The Cavs shot 45% from the field, committed eight turnovers and had 28 rebounds. STM was a perfect 5-for-5 from the charity stripe and made six three-pointers.
Sturgis (2-2) only managed 26% shooting, making 13 field goals in 49 attempts. The Scoopers had eight turnovers and 18 boards, and made 7-of-10 free throws. Hayden Rock had 10 points for Sturgis.
The Scooper boys and girls take on the Douglas Patriots Saturday in a doubleheader. The girls tip-off is scheduled for 3pm, with the boys action getting underway at 4:30pm.
