RallyNorth.net

Lawrence speeds past gutsy Astros

Sunday, December, 23 By Mike Muldoon
Staff writer

It's early in the season, but Lawrence has shown it's a team that on the right night can beat most anybody and on the wrong night is vulnerable against anybody.

Pinkerton had the Lancers on the ropes in yesterday's Greater Lawrence Christmas Tourney opener. Trailing 37-24 at the half, Lawrence coach Paul Neal knew if his club didn't change something, it was in big trouble.

"In the second half, we just decided win or lose we'd make it a fast pace,'' explained Neal.

That quick pace suited Justin Nieves well. The junior guard improbably erupted for 31 second-half points | finishing with 38 | and Lawrence pulled out a 76-67 win. The 5-foot-7 Nieves canned five of his seven 3-pointers in the third quarter.

Nieves' heroics spoiled fines games from impressive sophomore big men Zach Mathieu (6-6 center) and Ben Proulx (6-3 forward), who pumped in 18 points apiece in defeat. Junior sharpshooter Beau Cassidy added 17 points including five 3-pointers.

Pinkerton, 2-1, had little time to prepare as the Astros played Alvirne on Friday night, pulling out a tight 70-68 win over the Broncos.