Jacobs opens Hinkle by routing Marian Central

When Jacobs' junior guard Matt McCoy enters a game off the bench his main job is to shoot the open jumper.

With Marian Central playing a zone, McCoy canned four third quarter 3-pointers and was a main cog in the Golden Eagles' 70-37 win over the Hurricanes in opening round action of the 2017 Hinkle Holiday Classic hosted by Jacobs Friday night.

"Marian Central was playing a zone and they weren't really guarding me very closely," said McCoy. "I was surprised after I hit the first couple shots they didn't guard me closer. When coach (Jim Roberts) puts me in the game he wants to me shoot the ball. There is a big adjustment from playing on the sophomore team last year to playing on the varsity this year. I just want to help the team when I come in the game."

The Golden Eagles (7-2) also received a 10-point, 10 rebound effort from junior reserve center Joacheim Price.

"With Matt with his outside shooting and Jo with his presence inside they both present matchup problems for opponents," said Jacobs coach Jim Roberts. "They are both skilled offensively. Their biggest thing is that both Matt and Jo defend at a high level. They are both playing well on the defensive end and will continue to get more playing time."

The Golden Eagles set the tone in the first quarter. Connecting on 9-of-12 shots from the field for 75 percent, Jacobs held the Hurricanes to 6 points during the first 8 minutes and led 20-6 after 1 quarter.

Kam Mack made all 4 shots and scored 8 points while Price came off the bench to tally 6 points and Ryan Phillips scored 5 points as the Golden Eagles held a 14-point margin heading into the second quarter.

Jacobs' defense forced 6 turnovers and held the Canes to 3 field goals during the first 8 minutes.

"We executed on both ends in the first quarter and set the tone for the game," said Roberts. "Our defense was amazing and that has been a staple for us for several years."

Leading by 16, 40-24, Jacobs busted open a close game with four 3s from McCoy and led by 28, 52-24, with 2:33 left in the third quarter.

Jacobs' biggest lead in the game was 35, 66-31, on a layup by Jalen Ramsey with 2:26 left in the contest.

Phillips, with a pair of treys, led the Eagles with 14 points, all in the first half.

Marian Central, which made only 15-of-60 shots for 25 percent and committed 26 turnovers, was led by Jakub Baranski with 9 points while Tom Menner added 8 points with 7 rebounds.