Meo produces double-double as Cardinals beat Lincoln Land
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Mineral Area guard Josh Meo looks for a lane to drive during first half men’s basketball action against MSU-West Plains on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in Park Hills. (Matt King, mking@dailyjournalonline.com)
By MATT KING
mking@dailyjournalonline.com
PARK HILLS — Josh Meo regained his scoring touch, and delivered the Mineral Area men’s basketball team from a lackluster matinee performance on Monday.
The sophomore guard from Orlando compiled 28 points and 12 rebounds, roaring past his previous season highs, and the 7th-ranked Cardinals beat Lincoln Land 72-51 to stay unbeaten.
Amarion Dickerson added 16 points with three blocks, and sank 6-of-7 free throws as Mineral Area (17-0) navigated a short turnaround following its marquee victory at Moberly on Saturday.
Camren Kincaid paced Lincoln Land (6-7) with 19 points, and brought the visitors within 55-43 on a driving scoop shot after drilling his second 3-pointer.
Meo answered with his third connection from the perimeter, and made an ensuing steal as Marcus Watson Jr., finished a transition layup through heavy contact.
Kincaid was assessed a late technical foul for taunting after hitting a 3-point shot, and Jermale Young picked up another on the Lincoln Land side for arguing.
Dickerson, who highlighted the MAC offense before halftime, hustled down on a fast break to tip in a missed layup. The final score marked the largest separation of the game.
Starting center Richmond Muwator began serving a two-game suspension for a flagrant foul, and his absence was obvious on occasions when the Loggers successfully scored near the rim.
MAC head coach Greg Heiar made several mass substitutions in frustration as the offense struggled to develop a normal rhythm despite committing only eight turnovers.
But the Cardinals managed to lead 13-5 when Dawson Civil made a layup and Francisco Monreal hit a putback on the first of two five-shot possessions during the contest.
Outside shooting became a collective struggle, except for Meo heating up after intermission. Doreante Tucker was held scoreless for a second straight contest.
Mineral Area still established a 32-19 halftime cushion with solid defense and second-chance baskets by Meo on a leaping tip and Stephon MacDonald on a quick jumper.
Meo made sure the margin never returned to single digits by scoring 22 second-half points. His runner and subsequent 3-pointer extended it to 48-30.
Watson chipped in eight points, and dished out two of his game-high seven assists on entry passes that resulted in cutting dunks by Dickerson and Charles Outlaw in the first half.
MAC continues a stretch of three home games this week on Wednesday versus State Fair.
Axel Laby grabbed eight rebounds off the bench, and equaled Jermontre Young and Kyle Leonard with eight points each for Lincoln Land.
