Leading by three points at the end of the first quarter Friday, Willard used a 20-point second period to hold off Carthage for a 67-55 Central Ozark Conference victory.
Although Carthage, led by senior Cody Caster’s 18 points, stormed back in the third quarter, Willard, which dominated the glass, managed to hold off the Tigers in the final stanza.
Carthage, which trailed by 14 at the break, had three players finish in double figures, including Caster. Lane Stephens knocked down four 3-pointers to finish with 12 points, while Keith Lawrie finished had 11.
The Tigers, who have lost two in a row, have another tough league assignment when they entertain Ozark at 6 p.m. Thursday at Carthage High School.
The district tournament, also scheduled for CHS, begins Feb. 22.
