Mineral Area guard Terron Garrett (3) elevates for a layup during the first half of an NJCAA men’s basketball game against Three Rivers on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Park Hills. (Matt King, Daily Journal)
SEDALIA, Mo. – State Fair enjoyed a decisive edge in production from its post players, and shot 54 percent at home to defeat the Mineral Area men for the first time in three tries.
Gavin Murphy provided 25 points on 10-for-12 from the field, and also chipped in four assists off the bench to help the Roadrunners prevail 87-79 on Wednesday night.
Jai’Kori Phillips was a similarly efficient 7-of-9 while compiling 16 points, eight rebounds and three steals, and State Fair (13-14, 4-5) ended a collective 20-of-25 from the line.
Mineral Area (16-9, 6-3) committed only 11 turnovers, and used 16 offensive rebounds to remain within striking distance after trailing 44-36 at halftime.
But the Cardinals settled for an increase in 3-point attempts, making just 9-of-34 in the game, and slipped one game behind Three Rivers atop the Region 16 standings with three to play.
Terron Garrett dropped a season-high 30 point plus five rebounds and three assists in defeat. He was 11-of-24 from the field, and sank six 3-pointers.
Jordyn Richard added 11 points and five assists, and MAC converted 12-of-14 free throws. Edwon Duling Jr., tallied six assists plus three steals, and matched Maki Joyner with seven points.
Nazir Allen was limited to six points, ending a stretch of 12 straight games in double digits. He averaged 18.5 in the first two contests against State Fair.
Nate Wilder bolstered the Roadrunners with 15 points, seven assists and three steals, and knocked down 13-of-14 at the charity stripe.
Daniel Garza amassed 13 points, nine rebounds, four blocks and four assists. Damian Dirden and Andin Ashford contributed eight points each.
Mineral Area will pause its region schedule to face Indian Hills on Wednesday in Iowa.
