Region XVI Tournament: Three Rivers vs. Crowder

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. ó Even when the score indicates there was a close game, it seems like No. 22 Three Rivers is still winning comfortably. Friday was no different. Top-seeded Three Rivers defeated fourth-seeded Crowder 88-79 in the Region XVI Tournament semifinals, but the margin felt wider. ìThis time of year, you donít beat people by 20,î Three Rivers coach Jeff Walk said. ìIf theyíre playing this time of year, theyíre pretty good. A lot of emotions, a lot of nervous energy. They were nervous as cats on a hot tin roof when they came out. But once we kind of got going, weíve just got to go play.î The Lady Raiders (25-3) were never really in any danger of losing the lead theyíd held since under four minutes remained in the second quarter.