Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
HERRIN — Herrin and Pinckneyville met for the second time in 11 days Tuesday night. This time, the results were much different.
The Panthers won the first meeting 67-66 in the semifinals of the Benton Invitational Tournament on Riley Bauersachs’ basket with 1.4 seconds to play. The Tigers took care of business in the rematch.
Herrin led 33-27 at the half, extended that lead to nine after three quarters then pulled away late for a 69-52 win.
Tigers’ junior Kyrese Lukens led all scorers with 21 points. Exavier Williams added 16 and Chris Nelson 10. AJ Keith led Pinckneyville with 17. Ty Laur added 15 for the Panthers.
Herrin (18-6) has a first place showdown in the SIRR Ohio on the docket Friday night when the Tigers will travel to Murphysboro. Pinckneyville (19-7) returns home for an SIRR Mississippi matchup with Du Quoin Friday night before traveling to Freeburg for a non-conference game Saturday.
