TOP SEEDS STAY ON COURSE; TOP-SEEDED RAMS BUMP OFF RIVAL NOTRE DAME 75-49

The only thing more intense than Scott City's perimeter defense was the passion that the Rams and Notre Dame share for an always intense rivalry.

Scott City controlled Monday night's University High Christmas Tournament quarterfinal, upending Notre Dame 75-49.

But neither team controlled their emotions.

The blowout resulted in one technical foul, one intentional foul, a sore groin, a stare down, 34 fouls and scores of fuming fans.

"Emotions always run high," Scott City coach Derek McCord said. "These kids know each other and have grown up knowing each other. Every time these two teams meet, it's always real emotional and physical.

"You can talk to the kids about what's right and what's wrong, but sometimes in the heat of the battle, tempers flare. But when the game's over, the game's over and the kids shook hands."

"I think the game got out of control early, even in the first half," said Notre Dame coach Chris Janet. "There's an intense rivalry between these two schools. There were a lot of emotions flying. ... We were frustrated and it got a little out of hand."

The outcome was evident from the beginning.

Scott City forced Notre Dame into 10 first-quarter turnovers and led 18-7 after the first eight minutes.

Notre Dame committed just 10 turnovers the rest of the game.

The Bulldogs could've stayed in the game, but they missed many easy shots from point-blank range, not to mention open jumpers.

"We missed so many easy shots and open shots," Janet said. "We had high-percentage shots. If we would've just put the ball in the hole, it would've been a much better ballgame."

Notre Dame, which was led by Mark Rubel's 13 points, shot just 28 percent (7-of-25) in the first half and 31 percent (19-of-62) for the game. The Bulldogs, in trying to get back into the game, hit 29 percent (6-of-21) from 3-point range.

Scott City, meanwhile, shot a blistering 57 percent from the field. The Rams were able to manufacture easy baskets by turning turnovers into layups.

"We continued to shoot the ball well," McCord said. "If we can continue to guard and continue to shoot, I think it's going to be a great season for us."

Jon Beck scored a game-high 28 points for Scott City, including a 2-minute span in the third quarter in which he scored 11 consecutive points in six possessions. Beck scored 15 in the third quarter.

Scott City's Ryan Weatherspoon provided solidity underneath the basket, scoring 20 points, many of which came off of offensive rebounds.

The Rams led 31-16 at halftime, thanks to 9-3 run to end the second quarter.

After three quarters of play, the Rams led 56-31.

In the fourth quarter, it got ugly.

Scott City junior guard David Enderle retaliated to a shot below the waist with a forearm to the chest of Notre Dame's Adam Obermiller. Enderle was given a technical.

Later, an intentional foul was called on Notre Dame's Jason Rubel for a hard foul on an attempted layup.