In a game heard Friday night on WHOW, the Clinton Maroons fell to Tuscola, 52-49, in the third place game of the Central Illinois Conference tournament at Clinton High School. 
 

The third meeting of the two teams this season proved to be just as entertaining as the previous games, in which each team claimed a win.  Tuscola threw a box and one defense at Clinton aimed at slowing down senior point guard Mason Walker. It stymied the Maroons offense for much of the game.  
 

The Warriors jumped out to a 17-9 first quarter lead, and would never trail.  They would lead by eleven at half, and as many as sixteen before Clinton clawed their way back within striking distance in the fourth quarter.  Clinton would close the gap to within a possession several times in the final stage, and outscore the Warriors by five the fourth. However, Tuscola's 7 of 8 fourth quarter free throw shooting helped them hold on for the three point win.  
 

The Warriors were led by Josiah Hortin (who was the player that went 7 of 8 at the line in the fourth) with 18 points; Jordan Quinn added 14, and Sawyer Woodard had 13.  Tuscola improves to 20-5 on the season, and next plays Meridian on Tuesday.  
 

Clinton was led by Colton Walker's 12 points.  He was named the WHOW / Serv Pro of Piatt/DeWitt County Maroons Player of the Game.  Mason Walker and Dawson Graves both had 10 points, and Keaton Graves added 9. 
 

The Maroons fall to 22-4 on the season, and next travel to Edinburg on Monday night.  Our next Maroons "Game of the Week" broadcast is set for next Tuesday night on the road as Clinton travels to Warrensburg-Latham. 
 

In other Maroons news...

It was announced Friday night that the Clinton Lady Maroons will host their first Class 2A Regional game on Saturday, February 10th, at 1pm against Normal U-High at Clinton High School.  You'll be able to hear the action on all WHOW platforms.