WOODDWARD — Round one of the annual two-part basketball rivalry between the Woodward Academy and Woodward-Granger went to the Knights Tuesday, as the Academy were able to slowly widen a small lead en route to a 73-65 win.
The West Central Conference battle was played in the W-G Middle School gym, which serves as the home court for the Knights. W-G will host their crosstown foes in a rematch in the Hawk varsity gym Jan. 17.
The loss drops W-G to 3-1 on the season and came one day after the Hawks used a dominate third quarter to rip host Saydel, 51-34, in non-conference play.
Tuesday’s game saw the Knights turn a two-point deficit after one quarter into a 33-28 halftime lead. W-G trailed, 43-39, entering the final period, but could not overcome the hosts, who doubled their margin for an eight-point victory.
Marcus McConahay had 17 points to lead W-G, with Bryce Achenbach adding 16 points, Derick Morgan nine and Brady Aunspach seven. Six points from Bodie Harrison and five from both Reese Jamison and Brody Easter capped the scoring.
Jamison had eight rebounds, Morgan six and Harrison four to lead W-G, with Achenbach distributing five assists and joining McConahay in making three steals apiece.
Monday’s game was a close affair after 16 minutes, with W-G holding a slim 21-19 halftime lead. The complexion of the game changed quickly after the break, as the Hawks exploded for a 21-5 third quarter edge to put the game away.
McConahay had 14 points, Aunspach eight and both Harrison and Jamison seven to lead the guests. Achenbach provided six points, Morgan five and J.P. Nixon four.
Jamison pulled down nine rebounds, had two assists and three steas, with Achenbach recording three caroms, five assists and five thefts while Nixon grabbed four boards.
W-G will host Van Meter Friday for a WCC girl/boy set, with the girls game starting at 6 p.m.
