Lions Roll, Then Reload for Conference Road Test

The Carterville Lions continue to look every bit the part of a conference contender. Carterville enters tonight’s matchup riding a 17–2 overall record and sitting 2–1 in the SIRR Conference, a mark matched by their opponent. Momentum is firmly on the Lions’ side after a dominant win earlier this week, and now the challenge shifts to handling business on the road.

That momentum was built Tuesday night with an emphatic 81–55 win over the Carbondale Terriers. Carterville controlled the game from the opening tip, leading 20–14 after one quarter and extending the margin to 43–29 at halftime. A decisive 24-point third quarter erased any doubt and turned the contest into a showcase of Lions basketball.

Efficiency told the story in that win. Carterville shot 54.4 percent from the field and knocked down nine three-pointers at a 42.9 percent clip. The Lions shared the ball beautifully, piling up 23 assists against just 10 turnovers. When paired with 20 points off turnovers and 20 transition points, it was a night where every Carbondale mistake came with a price.

Colton Hawkins came into the game against the Terriers only 9 points from the career 1,000 point mark. He hit that mark early in the 3rd quarter with a three pointer from the top of the key. Colton led the way with 15 points in a complete performance that also included rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Maddox Gulley added 12 points with his usual steady presence, while Zachary Snow delivered one of the most efficient shooting nights of the season, scoring 26 points on 10-of-11 shooting and a blistering 6-of-7 from beyond the arc. Harper Lustenberger chipped in 12 points, giving Carterville four players who consistently applied pressure.

That balanced attack reflects what the Lions have done all season. Carterville averages just over 65 points per game while shooting nearly 48 percent from the floor and better than 58 percent on two-point attempts. The Lions move the ball well, rebound collectively, and defend without gambling, a formula that has traveled well away from home.

Tonight, Carterville takes that formula into a tough environment against the Murphysboro Red Devils, who are 12–5 overall and also 2–1 in conference play. Murphysboro will look to feed off the home crowd and apply pressure early, making the opening minutes and end-of-half possessions critical. Handling the noise, valuing possessions, and finishing at the free-throw line will be key factors.

Tip-off is set for later tonight with pregame coverage beginning at 7:30 PM. Dave McKenzie and John Homan will have the call on NewsRadio WJPF and on the YouTube livestream. With conference positioning on the line and confidence running high, the Lions face another opportunity to prove their consistency — and their maturity — on a challenging road stage.