Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
Russell Conwell/River Radio Sports Central
BENTON — Evan Munoz scored 20 points to help the Benton Rangers rally from a six-point third quarter deficit to beat Pinckneyville 53-44, capturing their 15th Benton Invitational Tournament championship.
The Panthers had rallied from an early deficit to build a 20-16 lead at the half. They extended that lead to six on a basket by Karsen Konkel followed immediately by a steal that set up AJ Keith for three-point play.
The Rangers scored nine of the next 12 points to tie the game 32-32 after three quarters. Benton then took the lead for good in the fourth quarter on Isaac Billington’s basket and foul.
This marked the Rangers’ second win over the Panthers in the past eight days. Benton won at Pinckneyville 64-60 last Friday night in SIRR-Mississippi play. The two teams will meet again at Rich Herrin Gymnasium in Benton to close out the conference and regular season schedule February 16.
