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Austin Toros Struggle in Loss to The Erie Bayhawks
CEDAR PARK, TX --The Austin Toros offense had their struggles Saturday against the Erie Bayhawks and they were unable to match the Bayhawks second half intensity in a 109-70 loss before 1682 fans at the Cedar Park Center.
Austin kept things close in the opening quarter with Jermaine Beal contributing a pair of first quarter three pointers which helped the Toros take a 18-17 lead into the second quarter.
Erie opened the second quarter on a 14-4 run and by the 7:50 mark held a 31-22 lead. Tasmin Mitchell helped spark the Bayhawk run with his 12 second quarter points. Blake Ahearn played a huge role in the Bayhawks building a double digit lead as he poured in 18 first half points.
A minute into the third quarter the Bayhawks were leading by 21 points at 57-36 after a pair of Ivan Johnson free throws. Blake Ahearn continued his outstanding play when he hit a three-pointer at the 8:58 mark to extend the Erie (19-9) lead to 62-38. He would finish with 18 points and five assists.
The Toros offense was unable to get rolling and cut into the lead as they shot just 35 percent from the field in the third quarter and just 18 percent from behind the arc, Erie could do little wrong as they continued to build their lead allowing them to take a commanding 83-55 lead into the fourth quarter.
Austin’s (12-17) Kevin Palmer scored eight fourth quarter points but the Bayhawks kept their offense in high gear as they rolled on to a 109-79 to send Austin to their third loss in a row.
Austin will be back in action Thursday February 10 at 7:30 as they open a two game series against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Tip-off for the second game against the Vipers is scheduled for Saturday February the 12 at 12 p.m.
