Updates from the quarterfinals of the 90th Sweet Sixteen in Rupp Arena:
Scott County’s win over Adair County puts the Cards in the final four for the fifth time in 10 years. Matt Walls (shown at right celebrating the win) led the winners with 26 points, including 7-for-7 free throws. Jordan Lee had 9 points and 8 rebounds. Bud Mackey fouled out with 7 points early in the fourth quarter. Scott County improved its record to 32-2, including 28-0 against Kentucky competition. Adair County was led by Chris Lewis with 16 points. Darren Ballou had 14 points and 7 rebounds, and Nick Fudge added 13 points and 8 assists.- Midway through the fourth quarter, Scott County has grabbed control. After seeing their lead shrink to 6, the Cards have surged into a 58-43 lead despite Bud Mackey fouling out early in the quarter. Matt Walls has taken over and has 22 points.
- Scott County righted its ship somewhat in the closing minutes of the third quarter and leads 43-32 going into the last 8 minutes. The Cards still don’t look all that inspired, but their talent advantage is showing. Matt Walls has 12 points and Bud Mackey has 7. Chris Lewis leads Adair County with 12 points.
- Adair County has out-played No. 1 Scott County in the opening minutes of the second half. The Indians have trimmed the deficit to 32-26, with Darren Ballou hitting his first two shots of the half. Scott County Coach Billy Hicks called a timeout.
- Photo below: Adair County’s Nick Fudge dribbles under pressure from Scott County’s Bud Mackey, left, and Jordan Lee.
- HALFTIME SCORE: Scott County 30 Adair County 18. Matt Walls has 10 points for the Cards, whose shooting has warmed up. They hit 11 of their last 18 shots of the half. Jordan Adams has 5 points off the bench. Adair County is led by Chris Lewis’ 6 points. Darren Ballou has 4 points and 5 rebounds. The Indians are shooting 22% (5-for-23).
- Scott County has opened up a 21-12 lead with 2:56 left in the first half. The Cards got a three-pointer by Tyler Portwood and a rebound basket by Cam Hundley to stretch its lead. Adair County is probably fortunate to be as close as it is. The Indians are shooting 21% (4-for-19). Darren Ballou, their leading scorer on the season, has 2 points.
- Scott County leads 10-6 after one quarter. Matt Walls has 7 points for the Cards, who are 4-for-13 shooting. Adair County is 3-for-12. The Indians obviously want a slow tempo. Scott County is trying to pick up the pace by pressing and trapping full court.
- It’s taking a while for these teams to get going. At the first timeout, with 2:25 left in the first quarter, Scott County is ahead 5-4. The teams are a combined 4-for-19 shooting.
- Scott County has missed 6 of its first 7 shots and trails Adair County 4-2 with 4 minutes left in the first quarter.
- We’re 10 minutes from a noon tipoff. Adair County is rated the 12th best team in the tournament while Scott County is No. 1. Can the Indians pull a shocker? It would take a near-perfect game. The 5th Region champs played well in beating Lincoln County 51-41 on Wednesday. They shot 50% and limited their turnovers, and they’ll need to match those numbers today. Darren Ballou, Adair County’s 6-foot-7 sophomore, may be the key. He had 10 points and 9 rebounds in the first-round win, but he’ll be facing a bigger opponent today. Scott County gave its starters considerable rest during its opening round win over Oldham County, so look for Bud Mackey, Matt Walls & Co. to have fresh legs.
