LISBON — In a game in which each team experienced solid execution, it was Lisbon that was able to finish down the stretch to fend off Mountain Valley, 56-48, in an MVC boys’ basketball clash. The Greyhounds (6-5) went a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line in the last 1:30 to score the final eight points to seal the victory. 

The opening quarter displayed quick ball movement from both sides, with Lisbon connecting on five layups — three coming from Henry Doyle off the hands of Jonah Sautter and Tyrese Joseph. The visiting Falcons (5-7) did not fare as well. Despite smooth ball movement, they were unable score, missing six layups in the opening quarter.

“We got the looks we wanted in the first quarter, we just couldn’t put the ball in the hole,” Mountain Valley coach Tom Danylik said. “I don’t care if it was the first quarter or the fourth, you can’t do that on the road and expect to win. You can’t win if don’t put the ball in the hole.”

After a 16-6 first quarter run, Lisbon began to slip away from their game plan while Mountain Valley picked up the tempo. Led by guard Jacob Blanchard, the Falcons pushed the ball up the court, scoring points in transition with either layups by Blanchard, or Keegan Davis connecting on a pair of 3s as they climbed back into the game, finding themselves only trailing by two points, 28-26 at the half.

“Although we got away from our penetration underneath in second quarter, they have good ball handlers and forced a few turnovers,” Lisbon coach Jake Gentle said.

Mountain Valley opened the half with a spark from Parker Davis, connecting on a layup to tie the game, followed by a steal and the go ahead hoop for the Falcons. Lisbon regained the lead spreading the ball around before the Falcons got yet another spark from their bench. Sophomore guard Will Sorenson entered the game to connect on a pair of quick 3s and a layup to propel the Falcons to a 39-37 edge after three quarters.

“The kids provided a good spark for us tonight coming off the bench,” Danylik said.

The fourth quarter displayed execution by both teams, with several lead changes as each team slowed down their offense and worked on their penetrating the ball inside. Lisbon’s Tyrese Joseph began to take matters into his own hands. Joseph hauled down six of his game high 14 rebounds in the final quarter. Grabbing loose shots on both ends of the court.

Following a Mountain Valley timeout, the Falcons were able to tie the score at 48-48 on a basket by Zach Duguay. The Falcons did not score again as Lisbon continued their perfection from the line. The Greyhounds were 16-for-21 from the line on the game.

“They were able to execute down the stretch where we weren’t able to,” Danylik said.

Doyle finished with a game high 17 points followed by Sean Scott’s 13 points, including a trio of three’s. Joseph added 10 points along with five steals. The Falcons were paced by Davis’ 13 points followed by Blanchard and Soreneson’s eight points apiece. 

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