MOBERLY – It looked like No. 1 Three Rivers would end their perfect season on Monday, but they were able to grind out an 83-71 victory on the road over No. 8 Moberly Area. The Lady Raiders extend their regular season winning streak to 52 games.

The Raiders were led by Myia Yelder and Joi Montgomery recording double-doubles as Yelder had 25 points and 10 assists while Montgomery had 20 points and 12 rebounds. Karlee Holland was also in double figures with 10 points. As a team, Three Rivers forced 23 turnovers, recorded 18 steals and had 42 rebounds.

It was a close game at the start as the Raiders (21-0, 9-0 XVI) held onto an 8-6 lead through four minutes of play, but the Lady Greyhounds (19-3, 8-2 XVI) took the lead and had a 19-17 advantage at the end of the first.

Despite playing from behind the entire second quarter, Three Rivers was able to stay with Moberly as the Greyhounds led 34-33 at halftime.

The Raiders were able to tie it up at 41 2:20 into the second half, but the tie was short lived as Moberly regained the lead. However, the Raiders were right there with them as they trailed 57-54 at the end of the third.

With 4:20 remaining Holland gave Three Rivers a 67-66 lead as it jumpstarted an 11-3 run to give the Raiders a 76-69 lead, capped off by a 3-point bucket by Yelder from the top of the arc with just over a minute and a half to play in the game. From there, the Raiders were able to seal away the victory.

Three Rivers will be back on the road Saturday to take on Crowder at 2 p.m. before returning home next Wednesday for a rematch against Moberly Area at 5 p.m.

Robert Augsdorfer - Daily American Republic