Cole Moreano scored 18 points including four three-pointers as Lawrence Free State overcame an 11-point deficit to claim 5th place in the McPherson Invitational with a 59-52 victory over Manhattan High on Saturday afternoon. The Tribe scored eight straight points to begin the third quarter, taking a 37-26 advantage. However, the Firebirds came flying back with 12 points in a row, and trailed Manhattan by one going into the fourth quarter after a pair of Alex Stitt free throws. Free State hit three treys early in the fourth quarter to go up 47-44 and would never trail the Tribe again. Khadre Lane added 13 points for the Firebirds (4-7), who’ve won two straight after a seven-game losing streak. Jacob Holloway and Payton Stephens led Manhattan (6-5) with 15 points each, and Jonathon Taylor had 10. Holloway hit five of nine three point shots.
The Manhattan High boys will host Emporia on Thursday night at 7:30pm. The Spartans beat the Indians 61-51 on December 14th. SportsRadio 135o KMAN will have the pregame at 7:15.
