Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
BENTON – The Pinckneyville Panthers made sure there would be no fourth quarter heroics this time, handing the Benton Rangers their first loss of the season 51-36 at Rich Herrin Gym.
The Panthers win came 19 days after the Rangers rallied from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit to beat Pinckneyville 51-50, capturing the Duster Thomas Hoops Classic championship when Docker Tedeschi made three free throws with half a second to play.
This time, Pinckneyville used a 7-0 spurt to start the third quarter to extend a 24-20 halftime lead to 11 points, and the Panthers never let Benton get closer than nine the rest of the way.
AJ Keith was sensational for Pinckneyville at both ends of the floor, scoring a game high 20 points while helping hold Tedeschi to 11 points on the night. Riley Bauersachs added 11 and Lucas Lietz 10 for Pinckneyville, while Tedeschi was the lone Ranger to reach double figures.
The Panthers improve to 15-2, 4-0 in the SIRR Mississippi, a half game ahead of Benton. The Rangers fall to 16-1, 4-1 in the conference.
These two teams will close the regular season in Pinckneyville February 21.
