Powered by a stifling defense and relentless offense, the Meridian Mustangs boys basketball team cruised past the Manassas Park Cougars in a 81-39 runaway victory on Tuesday, Jan 6. The win improved the Mustangs’ record to 5-1 via their largest margin of victory this year.
The game marked Meridian’s first game in over 21 days, after their win over Liberty on December 16th.
“It was just nice to get out on the floor and play,” Head Coach Jim Smith said.
An action-packed start from Meridian immediately set the tone. The Mustangs held the Cougars to just six points in the first quarter while scoring 30 of their own. Junior Mason Pye led the early surge, scoring eight points in the opening eight minutes of play.
The second quarter saw more tightly contested play, as both teams would score 15 points in a defensive stretch.
Exiting halftime with a 45-21 lead, the Mustangs eliminated any chance for a comeback, as Meridian scored 12 points in the first four minutes of the quarter.
The ‘Stangs would further extend their lead in the third quarter, holding a commanding 61-34 advantage.
Meridian cruised through the 4th quarter, scoring 20 points, while only allowing Manassas Park to put up five. Pye would end his night with a team-leading 15 points.
Coach Smith was pleased by what he saw from the team throughout the game. “We have the potential to be a special group,” Smith noted.
Meridian’s 81-39 win over the Cougars is the 10th consecutive win over Manassas Park, dating all the way back to 2020. The Mustangs will look to continue their success this season, as they eye another playoff run.
