You had the feeling going in, that last Friday’s game with Benton would be eventful, to say the least. The scrappy little bunch of jump-shooters from Franklin County has matured into a muscular, physical group that still shoots pretty fair.

When the smoke cleared Friday night, Massac had emerged with a 55-53 win and more than a few Benton fans left in a huff. Benton still shot the three pretty well, hitting 9 of 24 from behind the arc, but down the stretch it was a lack of self-control and Massac’s free throw shooting that did them in.

Benton claimed a 12-10 first quarter lead, but Malcom Amos and Ryan English led a second quarter charge that got the Pats even at 27 all at the half.

The third quarter was still just good ole basketball, and a pair of triples by Cody Smith and Ty Leffler put Benton up by three at 39-36 at the third horn.

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