The Higbee Tigers held on to gain a victory against Northwestern Friday night by a score of 77-67. Although a margin of 10 points is generally a good thing for a team, it it the smallest margin of victory the Tigers have had all year. The win takes Higbee’s record to 14-0 on the season with a conference record of 6-0.

In a rare occurrence, Higbee found itself behind 24-23 at the end of the first quarter. Undaunted, the Tigers turned things around in the second, outscoring Northwestern 24-16 to take a 47-40 halftime lead.

Both teams came out fighting in the third quarter, but Higbee was able to pull ahead 63-50. Northwestern won the fourth quarter 17-14 but it was not enough to overtake the high-scoring Tigers. The game ended with Higbee on top 77-67.

Sophomore Derek Rockett led the Tigers with 24 points. Classmate Jordan Fuemmeler pumped in 21 while also dishing out 10 assists for the double-double. Senior Jamie Smith also hit for double figures as he contributed 14 points. Fellow senior Malaki Squires put in seven points. Senior Luke Ritter, junior Chad Crawford, and sophomore Will Spilman each added three. Sophomore Jaxon Hudson rounded out the Higbee scoring by adding two.

“We settled down and really started grinding out possessions defensively,” said Higbee coach Tanner Burton. “We’ve got to ensure we continue to battle and improve every game.”

Higbee traveled on Tuesday to face Hardin-Central after The Advertiser went to press. On Thursday night the Tigers will travel to Breckenridge to take on the 0-8 Bulldogs. The Tigers will then host Braymer Friday night and celebrate courtwarming and senior night.