Defense sends Central to quick start over Leopold

Central showed off its athleticism with a full court pressure defense that forced over 20 turnovers as the Tigers cruised into the second round of the seMissourian Christmas Tournament with a 63-26 win over Leopold Thursday at the Show Me Center.

Central (6-2) put on the full court pressure right off the bat and stifled the offense of the Wildcats (1-7). The Tigers got a hand on nearly every inbounds pass, and when they weren't forcing a turnover, guard Will Johnson and his Tiger teammates made it nearly impossible for Leopold to get off a good shot.

"Our goal was to get 20 turnovers," Johnson said.

With Central's constant pressure the Tigers jumped to a 6-0 lead, and with a couple of late fast-break conversions by Johnson Central finished the first quarter up 16-2.

Kevin Holzum hit a three-pointer for Leopold to start the second quarter, but the Tigers continued to pressure and force turnovers. The Tigers forced 16 first-half turnovers, and also held a strong edge on the boards. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded the Tigers had built a 20-point halftime lead.

Central coach Derek McCord said the Tigers will look to their defense to lead the team throughout the tournament.

"That's been the kind of team we are this year," he said.

"I thought our ball pressure was good. It's tough in the first round. Defensively they tried to steal the ball instead of play man-to-man."

Central's offense slowed the pace in the third quarter, going to the bench to get scoring from key subs Jay Ruark and Willie Colon. The Tiger's big man, 6-foot-8 sophomore Scott Chestnutt, kept busy on the glass, pulling down several strong rebounds in the third. Chestnutt also showed off his soft touch with a 10-footer from the baseline.

With the Tigers up 23 going into the fourth quarter, they pulled back their pressure defense and let depth shine. James Dalton, a 5-9 senior, hit a couple of big three-pointers off the bench and finished with eight points, all in the fourth quarter.

"I like those games where you get 10 or 11 guys in the scoring column," McCord said.

Johnson and Chestnutt led the Tigers with 12 points apiece. Johnson also dished out eight assists, and Chestnutt pulled down five rebounds. Josh Vandeven led the Wildcats with seven points.

"Will Johnson has really been stepping up," McCord said.

The Tigers, who forced 22 turnovers, held Leopold to eight field goals in the game.

"I think if we can keep up the pressure we have a chance of going a long way in the tournament," Chestnutt said.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171