Highlands – In their final non-conference game of the regular season, the Bulldogs traveled to Highlands.
Murphy’s varsity basketball teams split with the Highlanders on Friday, with the boys winning and girls suffering a loss.
Boys win 71-45
The Dogs were led to victory in Abram Twiggs’ second double-double of the week. Behind his 25-point, 11-rebound night, the Dogs defeated Highlands 71-45.
They started the game with a big first quarter. The Dogs dropped 22 points out of the gate and held Highlands to just 10.
The Dogs added on 23 more points in the second quarter to lead 45-25 at halftime. They outscored Highlands 17-6 in the third quarter to lead 62-31 heading into the fourth quarter.
Despite being outscored in the fourth quarter, the Dogs went on to win 71-45 after being an insurmountable lead. In addition to Twiggs, also scoring in double digits was Cale Harger with 17 points.
Girls fall 57-50
Despite an early lead, the Lady Bulldogs lost to Highlands 57-50 on Friday. The Lady Dogs got out to an early 12-7 lead in the first quarter.
Highlands had a 20-point second quarter to lead 27-26 at halftime.
Highlands outscored the Dogs 13-3 in the third quarter to extend its lead to 40-29 heading into the fourth quarter.
Murphy made a late push but couldn’t catch the Highlanders.
Emma Hensley led the Lady Dogs with 16 points.
Up next
It will be a busy week for the Dogs, as they close out the season with three games in as many days.
First up they will face Hayesville on the road today, with the girls playing at 6 p.m. followed by the boys.
They will play their final regular-season home game against Robbinsville on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., followed by the boys.
To close out the regular season, the Dogs will travel to Rosman on Friday. The girls will play at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.