MBK: Tops Inch Closer to Regional Berth with 93-83 win over Chargers

Marcos Vazquez scored a career-high 26 points while sophomore Ezra McKee turned in one of his best efforts of the year with 21 points and 8 rebounds, 3 dunks, and 3 blocks. as the Tops handled the Chargers of Edison State 93-83. The game was not as close as the final score as the Tops were up by as many as 24 several times in the second half.

Vazquez celebrated his birthday with a career-high in points and added 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and only 1 turnover. With Vazquez on the ball, Manny Hill also had a stellar game with 13 points and 10 rebounds. 

The Tops led the Chargers 47-31 at the half. The  Chargers showed life in the second half getting a quick spurt as the defense became a bit lax and allowed the Chargers to run off a few baskets to trim the lead to 12.  McKee brought the crowd to life with a fast break dunk and the Tops went on a 9-point run to keep the Chargers at bay and cruise to an important conference win.

Vazquez leads the team in assists for the second half of the season and has been the catalyst after a mid season slump. Devonte Greene continues to shine (13 points) and Howard Jeffries (12 points and 5 rebounds) rounded out the double-digit scoring.

The Tops forced 13 turnovers and held the Chargers to 38% field-goal percentage. The win pushes the Tops closer to clinching a spot in the regionals as they move to 21-7 on the season and 10-4 in conference play.

UP NEXT the Tops face the Titans of Terra State Community College Saturday 24 Feb 2024 1p tip-off.