Manhattan High boys’ basketball hung tough for a half Saturday afternoon before No. 8-ranked Maize pulled away in the second half for a 67-44 win.
The Indians matched the Eagles early, tied 9-9 after the first quarter, and trailed just 25-22 at halftime. But Maize broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring Manhattan 21-13 to build a 46-35 lead entering the final frame.
The Eagles closed strong from there, limiting Manhattan to 9 points in the fourth quarter to secure the victory and improve to 13-4 on the season.
Maize’s depth eventually wore down the Indians, whose legs proved to be heavy coming off Friday night’s overtime loss to Emporia.
Sawyer Newton led Manhattan with 13 points, scoring 10 in the second half and providing most of the Indians’ offensive spark after halftime. Will Carpenter added 11, while Henry Witt finished with 8.
Vince Doering was held to 2 points, while Tim Washington scored 4. Tyson Hattrup added 3, Graham Braxmeyer had 2, and Cole Pfeifley scored 1. Maize was paced by Brayden Myovela, the Eagles’ standout quarterback, who scored a game-high 19 points.
The loss drops Manhattan to 11-5, as the Indians look to regroup after a demanding stretch against ranked opponents, starting Tuesday at home against Washburn Rural.
MAIZE 67,
MANHATTAN 44
Maize (13-4) — 9; 16; 21; 21 — 67
MHS (11-5) — 9; 13; 13; 9 — 44
INDIVIDUAL SCORING
MHS — Sawyer Newton 13, Carpenter 11, Witt 8, Washington 4, Hattrup 3, Doering 2, Braxmeyer 2, Pfeifley 1
Maize — Myovela 19, Willits 12, Oakman 10, Miles 8, Lerma 7, George 7, Shaw 4