MARYVILLE, Tenn. – The Maryville men's basketball team remained unbeaten in CCS play Saturday afternoon, holding off a resilient LaGrange squad for an 83–74 victory inside Cooper Athletic Center.
The win lifts the Scots to 16–4 overall and a perfect 7–0 in conference action, while LaGrange falls to 9–9 on the season and 2–4 in the CCS. Maryville also continued its strong history against the Panthers, improving to 53–14 all-time in the series and extending its current winning streak to eight games. The Scots have been especially dominant at home, posting a 26–7 record against LaGrange inside Cooper Athletic Center, while also holding a 24–5 advantage in road contests. Despite Maryville's success, the series has featured close finishes, with LaGrange's most recent wins in the matchup decided by four points or fewer. Over the course of the rivalry, the Scots have averaged 83.22 points per game against the Panthers.
Chase Morgan turned in a dominant performance to lead all scorers, pouring in 32 points on 12-of-17 shooting while adding nine rebounds, four assists, and a season-high five blocks. Jackson Garner followed with 23 points, knocking down four three-pointers and dishing out two assists. Matthew Schneider chipped in 10 points and five rebounds, while Jett Sutton provided a spark off the bench with five points. As a team, Maryville shot 49.2 percent from the floor and controlled the paint with 44 points inside.
Maryville set the tone early, opening the game with a Jamal Ware three-pointer before Morgan asserted himself inside on consecutive possessions. The Scots built momentum behind efficient ball movement and defensive activity, stretching the lead to double digits midway through the first half. Garner knocked down a pair of three-pointers during the run, while Morgan continued to finish through contact. Despite several pushes from LaGrange, Maryville carried a 44–30 advantage into halftime.
The Scots wasted little time extending the lead after the break. Garner scored on back-to-back possessions to open the half, and a fast-break layup by Javi Rosell pushed the margin to 17. Maryville continued to capitalize in transition, as Garner hit two three-pointers during a decisive run that gave the Scots their largest lead of the game at 27.
LaGrange battled back behind strong bench play, trimming the deficit to single digits late in the contest. However, Morgan delivered timely answers, scoring eight points in the final five minutes to keep the Panthers at bay. His fast-break dunk with just over two minutes remaining sealed the victory.
Maryville returns to action next week, taking on the Scots of Covenant on Tuesday, February 3rd at 6:00 PM in Cooper Athletic Center.
