Tyrone came out firing in Friday’s Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference matchup at Clearfield, but a big second quarter by the Bison turned the tide as the Eagles fell 82–65.
The loss drops Tyrone to 8–6 on the season and marks their second straight defeat, while Clearfield improved to 14–1 and remained unbeaten at home.
The Golden Eagles looked sharp early, racing to a 9–3 lead thanks to strong finishes by seniors Ashton Emigh and Eli Woomer.
Tyrone’s energy on both ends sparked a fast-paced first quarter that ended with the Eagles ahead 20–13.
“We were executing early and playing our game,” senior Ashton Emigh said, “Clearfield just adjusted really well and made us work for everything after that.”
Clearfield responded in a big way during the second quarter, outscoring Tyrone 24–8 to take a 37–28 halftime lead.
The Bison’s ball movement and hot perimeter shooting, including four three-pointers from Ev Maines, swung the momentum for good.
Despite a solid second-half effort from Tyrone, including another scoring surge from Emigh, the Bison maintained control behind a balanced attack.
Braison Patrick poured in 25 points for Clearfield, followed by Maines with 23 and Parker Collins with 12.
For Tyrone, Ashton Emigh led with 25 points and five made free throws, while Woomer added 14.
Mason Emigh chipped in 12 points, and junior guard Carter Gwinn scored six as well as junior forward Ben Walk.
“We came out strong, but basketball’s a game of runs,” said Woomer. “They had one that hurt us in the second quarter, and we just couldn’t quite get back.”
The Eagles will look to bounce back at home on Wednesday when they host Central Mountain at 7:30 p.m. in another big matchup with 5A playoff points on the line.
