Bluejays flush Greenwave rally in fourth quarter

Charleston ends game on an 18-8 run to get 12th win

CHARLESTON -- The Charleston Bluejays (12-7) flushed any hopes of a Malden Greenwave (13-5) comeback Tuesday night, defeating the Greenwave, 75-

60.

With a 53-43 lead after the third, Malden's Marvin Fields sank a 3-pointer to open up the fourth quarter and spark a rally as well.

After two more baskets by the Greenwave, and a Charleston basket, Malden brought it to a 55-50 game with six minutes still left to play.

But, Malden's rally was very short lived.

The Bluejays went on to outscore the Greenwave 18-8 to close out the game and their second-straight win.

"I thought we played well, tonight," Bluejays head coach Danny Farmer said. "They came back within five and we picked it up and got it back up to about 16 or 17. I thought it was a great effort offensively and defensively."

Charleston opened the game with a quick lead, and would keep it throughout the game. The Bluejays finished the first quarter with a 19-10 lead.

The 11-point lead at halftime, 37-26, and the 10 point lead at the end of the third quarter, 53-43, was mostly sustained by second shot attempts from offensive rebounding by the Bluejays.

Charleston played without one of their regular starters in Jerquawn Sherrell and one of their key role players, Allen Hemphill which were both out sick.

Donald Dixon led Charleston with 27 points. Antonio Riggens was right behind him with 23 and also connected for three 3-pointers. Brian Parham had 11 and Fred Pratt added 10 points.

After a four game skid, which is something that has not happened since the start of the 2000-2001 season, the Bluejays look to be back on track, with wins against Metro Academy, 51-33, and Malden.

"It feels good to be back on the winning side," Farmer said. " You could get down a lot by losing and I was more concerned about that than anything. We talked about it and we worked hard in practice and we're right here right now."

Malden head coach Robert Ison thought that despite the loss, he liked the way his team played and the effort was there this time around.

"I thought they played real well," Ison said. "I criticized them a little bit for Friday's game. I thought they quit a little too early and didn't give it 100 percent. Tonight, they got down by 17, they fought back and played within five, so, I'm real proud of the effort."

Malden played Portageville last Friday and was defeated 57-42.

Nick Perkins led all scorers with 29 points and was a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line. Perking was the main scoring threat during the Greenwave's come back.

"Ever since the second part of the season he has elevated his game, every game," Malden head coach Robert Ison said. "Now is the time when you should be getting better. Nick has proven that he is one of the top players in Southeast Missouri and he keeps elevating his game."

Leonard Burton also proved to be a threat, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for the Greenwave.

Charleston's next test will be against Kennett on Friday night.