BCT 2023: Van Buren wins Bulldog Brawl

Van Buren's Nathan Smith (10) drives during a 78-73 win over South Pemiscot in the opening round of the 67th Annual Bloomfield Christmas Tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. — In a clash of canine contenders, the Van Buren Bulldogs (7-1) held off the South Pemiscot Bulldogs (3-3) for a 78-73 win in the opening round of the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament.

Van Buren’s Hayes Towsley was practically unstoppable, slicing through the defense with an 11-for-12 shooting performance and a game-high 26 points.

Despite shooting 52 percent from the field, South Pemiscot couldn't keep pace with Van Buren's offensive efficiency (nearly 60 percent) and, more importantly, its 27-21 advantage on the boards.

South Pemiscot faces Holcomb in the consolation bracket at 2:30 p.m., while Kennett will take on Van Buren in a quarterfinal at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27.

VAN BUREN 78, SOUTH PEMISCOT 73

South Pemiscot (73) — Robert Farmer III 18, Torrell Boyd 18, Tyriquis Campbell 18, Jaterion Smith 11, Jimmie Morton 4, Logan Southern 4. FG: 28. FT: 15-23. F: 20. (3-pointers: Smith 1, Boyd 1. Fouled out: Morton).

Van Buren (78) — Hayes Towsley 26, Nathan Smith 16, Holden Hills 7, Benjamin Hawkins 12, Elijah VanWagner 8, Bryce Hawkins 7, Danner Nicholson 2. FG: 33. FT: 10-17. F: 19. (3-pointers: Towsley 1, Benjamin Hawkins 1. Fouled out: VanWagner).