HAYS – After building a 15-point third quarter lead the TMP boys held off a pesky Lyons Lions team Tuesday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse on their way to a 51-46 win.

Bill Meagher postgame interview

The Lions took advantage of nine first-quarter turnovers by the Monarchs and built a seven-point lead with just under three minutes to play in the first quarter. TMP was able to close the gap to just four at the end of one in a first half that was marred by several fouls on each team.

TMP opened the second quarter on a 6-0 run to tie the game at 13 only to see the Lions retake a three-point lead midway through the second quarter. But the Monarchs answered right back with a 14-1 run to end the first-half leading 27-17.

Coming out of the halftime break the Monarchs continued to pile on, building a 36-21 lead with 5:30 to play in the third quarter after Ryan Karlin scored seven in-a-row.

The Lions owned the final five minutes of the third quarter to cut the Monarch lead to just four at 38-34 after three.

Lyons was able to pull within one twice to open the fourth quarter and then tied the game on a Billy Harley three-pointer with 2:20 to play in the game.

The game was again tied again at 44 all when Ryan Karlin buried the go-ahead three-pointer with 1:10 to play in the game putting TMP up 47-44.

The Monarchs sealed the victory at the free throw line making their final four to secure the 51-46 win.

Game highlights

Jackson Schulte lead all scorers with a new career-high 20 points and Ryan Karlin added 10.

Connor Minix led three Lions in double-figures with 13.

TMP improves to 11-11 on the season and advances to Friday’s sub-state semifinals in Hoisington against the host Cardinals after they defeated Russell 61-43 Tuesday.

Phillipsburg defeated Southeast of Saline Tuesday 61-38 and will face Smoky Valley after they downed Norton Monday 40-35.