While each game was more tightly contested than the previous, Madison County faced George Mason three times last season and left the court with three losses. Squaring off for the first time this season with the defending Bull-Run District champions, the Mountaineers rode a big second half from Travis Warren and strong night defensively at home to handle the Mustangs 57-53.
“It’s just the biggest win for our guys,” said Madison coach Ben Breeden. “They’re the defending district champs, favored to win it again this year and thought of as a state contender too. This was big.”
After scoring just four points in the first half, Warren found his game out of the break, scoring in transition to finish with 20 points. Patrick Roebuck also got warm in the second half as he scored 14 points. Matt Temple added eight points in the win.
“It was just a great game tonight,” Breeden said. “A fabulous team effort. The was defense much improved, keeping guys in front, and we made them try to beat us shooting over top. We dominated boards, kept in rebounding position. Then we were smart on offense, had good shot selection and Travis and Patrick stepped up there.”
Madison plays Central Woodstock on the road Thursday at 7:30 p.m. before another crucial Bull Run contest on Tuesday against William Monroe on Tuesday, also at 7:30 p.m.
“We can’t look past Central, but we’re definitely looking forward (to playing Monroe),” Breeden said.
