Mansfield overcame a halftime deficit with a big second half to beat upset-minded Liberty 73-60 in the Class 3 District 10 semifinals on Wednesday.
Liberty jumped out to a 19-15 lead on Mansfield after one quarter and led 31-28 at the half.
Out of the half, Mansfield jumped into the lead with an 18-13 third-quarter advantage to hold a narrow 46-44 lead after three quarters.
In the fourth quarter, Mansfield’s offense came alive with 27 points to pull away for the win. Five different Mansfield players scored in the deciding fourth quarter.
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Tom Emerick was steady throughout for Mansfield with at least six points in three of the four quarters on his way to a team-high 21 points. Chase Cartwright (19 points), London Dennis (13 points) and Landen Campbell (12 points) gave the Lions four players in double figures.
Drew Ripko led Liberty and all scorers with 27 points. Terrell Gaines had 18 for the Eagles.
Mansfield’s win sets up a showdown with Thayer in the Class 3 District 10 championship game at 6:30 pm on Friday in Houston.
Liberty – 19-12-13-16 — 60
Mansfield – 15-13-18-27 — 73
L: Drew Ripko 27, Terrell Gaines 18, Carter Pruett 10, Lucas Frazier 3, Parker Tune 2
M: Tom Emerick 21, Chase Cartwright 19, London Dennis 13, Landen Campbell 12, Stone Sawyers 6, Blake Henry 2
