THE PLAINS, Ohio — The Meigs boys basketball refused to mess around with Alexander and took the 61-45 victory Tuesday night in the opening round of the Division III sectional tournament at Charles McAfee Gymnasium on the campus of Athens High School.

Meigs (2-18) played excellent defense in the opening minutes of the contest, as they did not allow Alexander (4-17) to score until the 4:32 mark. The Spartans scored once more in the first quarter to give themselves four points, while the Marauders notched 12 points and took the eight point lead into the second.

The MHS offense heated up in the second period going on a 11-4 run over the first five minutes.Meigs went on a 10-7 run over the final three minutes to hold the 33-15 lead. Dillon Boyer was the spark the Marauders offense with three three-pointers in the second quarter.

After the half Alexander picked up the pace on offense hitting nine field goals in the third on their way to 22 point quarter. The Marauders offense didn’t quit making shots after the break scoring 18 in the third and taking the 51-37 lead into the finale.

Meigs outscored AHS 10-8 in the final eight minutes and cruised to their second win over the Spartans this season, this time in blowout fashion 61-45.

Meigs was led by Jesse Smith who finished one rebound shy of a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds. Also in double figures in scoring for the Marauders were Dillon Boyer with 15, and Cody Mattox with 11. Michael Davis finished with six points, Dustin Ulbrich with five, Jared Williamson with four points, and rounding out the MHS scoring was Jordan Hutton with two.

The Spartans had two players reach double figures in scoring led by Jordan Mosely with 14 points, and followed by Zach Weffler with 12.

Meigs returns to Charles McAfee Gymnasium Saturday at 3 p.m. as they look for revenge on Wellston who has defeated the Marauders on two occasions this season. Both Meigs and Wellston will be playing for their second straight sectional title.

Meigs 61, Alexander 45

M 12-21-18-10 — 61

A 4-11-22-8 — 45

MEIGS (2-18): Dillon Boyer 6 0-0 15, Jared Williamson 2 0-0 4, Jordan Hutton 0 2-2 2, Michael Davis 3 0-0 6, Rocco Casci 0 0-1 0, Cody Mattox 3 5-5 11, Cody Stewart 0 0-0 0, Jesse Smith 9 0-0 18, Dustin Ulbrich 2 1-1 5. TOTALS 25 8-10 61. Three-point goals: 3 (Boyer 3). Rebounds: 31. Field goals: 25-42 (.595). Turnovers: 25.

ALEXANDER (4-17): Chris Wingett 1 4-4 6, Jacob Gray 1 1-1 3, Zach Weffler 6 0-4 12, Jared Jeffers 0 1-2 1, William Cravens 0 0-0 0, Dustin Mullins 2 0-0 5, Tanner Carsey 0 0-0 0, Jordan Mosely 5 2-2 14, Braden Jones 2 0-0 4, Tim Smith 0 0-0 0. TOTALS: 17 8-13 45. Three-point goals: 3 (Mosely 2, Mullins). Rebounds: 30. Field goals: 17-58 (.293). Turnovers: 18.