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| Mac Bassett game-high 23 points (photo by Jim Lindquist) |
Tiger coach Shane Wyandt was especially happy to see the second half success because his team faded badly after intermission in a season-opening loss to Rochester John Marshall.
"That second half against JM stung us a little," Wyandt said. "We didn't want that to happen again. The focus at halftime was rebounding and decision making. We did a good job of both and we finally started shooting the ball like we are capable."
Farmington held a 37-33 halftime lead with the visitors staying as close as they did with some torrid outside shooting. Seven of the Spartans' 10 field goals in the first half came from behind the three-point line, five of them by point guard Maurice Cain.
The second half was an entirely different story. Bassett and Johnny Dittman hit back-to-back three's to open the period and then the winners rattled off 10 more points before Mayo got on the board with 11:55 to play. By then the Tigers were on top 53-35.
The big run also featured some pesky defense by the Tigers who forced several turovers that turned into easy baskets.
Wyandt said it wasn't the shooting or the defense that he appreciated most during the spurt but rather the way his team kept its composure.
"We played smart basketball," he said. "We were patient and made good decisions. That's what we are looking for."
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| Darren Beenken 8 pts, 8 rebs., 4 assts. (photo by Jim Lindquist) |
Nick Varner only scored two points but led the team in both rebounds (11) and assists (7).
The Tigers finished the night shooting 49 percent (27 for 55) from the floor and were seven of 18 (39 percent) from behind the three-point arc. Farmington also improved at the foul line, making 10 of 13 tries.
Friday night the Tigers will look for a second straight win when Hastings comes to town for a non-conference game at Tiger Gym.
