Juniata pulls out tough win over Mount Union

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: December 11, 2021

THREE SPRINGS – After struggling to score in the first three quarters of the game, Mount Union nearly succeeded in a comeback only to fall just short to Juniata as the Indians defeated the Trojans 59-54 in the semi-final match-up for the Southern Huntingdon Tip-Off Boys Basketball Tournament Friday night.
The Trojans nearly scored as many points in the fourth quarter as they did for the first three quarters combined. Down by nearly 20 points heading into the final frame of the game. Mount Union came out with high pressure against Juniata and the pressure seemed to pay off as the Indians struggled to get into their offense and put points on the board.
The Mount Union defense forced turnovers and turned them into easy buckets. Slowly but surely the Trojans would close the gap on the Juniata lead. Mount Union’s Dayvon Wilson and Andrew Cuff led the way for the comeback as the two combined for 16 of the team’s 25 points in the quarter. The Trojans had scored 29 points through the first three quarters of the game.
As the game was drawing closer to the end, the Juniata double digit lead became a single digit lead as the Trojans got as close as four points down making it 58-54. But despite their best efforts, the Indians were able to seal the deal on the comeback.
Juniata had four different players to score in double digits for the game. Max Lauver scored a game high of 14 points despite dealing with some foul trouble. Yadiel Ortiz and Austin Derr each had 13 points for the game and Jacob Condo added another 12 for the night.
Mount Union had three different players who had scored in the double digits as Cuff and Devo Delo led the Trojans with each scoring 12 points. While Wilson would tack on 11 more points.
Juniata starts off the season at (1-0) and will meet the Juniata Valley Hornets in the finals.
Mount Union (0-1) will look to rebound in the third place game against the Southern Huntingdon Rockets.
Both games will be played today. Good luck to both teams this season.