By Rob Hamilton

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Mount Gilead fought back from a huge deficit in their season-opening boys’ basketball game against Utica Tuesday, but couldn’t quite get over the hump in a 72-64 defeat.

The host Indians struggled in the first half, trailing 24-8 after the opening period and 41-14 at the half. Despite outscoring their guests 20-14 in the third period, they still were in a 55-34 hole entering the final eight minutes.

MG would have a huge fourth quarter, though, scoring 30 points during that time. Unfortunately, their opponents were able to tally enough offensive to remain in front at the end of regulation.

Paul Butterman scored 19 points to lead the team, while Matthew Bland added 11 and both Elijah Chafin and Carter Kennon finished with 10. Jackson Huffer added eight in the contest.

Northmor Golden Knights

Northmor was outscored in the first three quarter of their Tuesday night home basketball game against Johnstown, as the Golden Knights fell 55-37 to the Johnnies.

The score was 14-9 after the first quarter and 29-17 at the half. Johnstown extended their lead to a 42-22 score by the end of the third. While Northmor held a 15-13 edge in the fourth, they couldn’t catch up to their opponents.

Kooper Keen tallied 11 points to lead the Northmor effort on the night.

Rob Hamilton can be reached at 419-946-3010, ext. 1807. Connect with him on Twitter at @SportsMCS