The Ashland Tomcats scorched the nets as they shot 62.7% from the field in an 81-64 win over the Calloway County Lakers on Wednesday in the opening round of the Sweet 16 Tournament at Rupp Arena in Lexington.
The Tomcats (24-7) jumped out of the gate quickly and took a 23-14 lead after the end of the first period. The Lakers (31-4) cut into the lead in the second quarter, but Ashland held a 38-32 advantage at the intermission.
Calloway County inched closer to the Tomcats at the end of the third period as Ashland maintained a 49-46 heading into the final frame.
From there, the Tomcats connected on 12-of-13 shots from the field, including 4-of-5 from behind the arc, in the final stanza to outscore the Lakers, 32-18, to secure the win and move on to the quarterfinals.
Zander Carter led Ashland with 29 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Drew Smith followed with 16 points. Preston Hoskins added 13 points. Caleb Clarke poured in 9 points. Tyson Lalonde netted 8 points and recorded 3 steals. Sam Lyons and Justin Hughes finished with 3 points each.
For Calloway County, Jonah Butler led the way with 23 points and 9 rebounds. Conner Lockhart followed with 16 points. Luke Armstrong scored 13 points. Eli Finley scored 11 points. Stephen Lane finished with 1 point.
Ashland will next face Bowling Green on Friday morning at 11 am in the Sweet 16 quarterfinal round.
