The Mansfield Tyger Boys basketball team will try to end 2012 on a winning note aftyer falling in back-to-back games this past weekend, first to Dayton Dunbar 67-61 on Friday, then on the road Saturday in overtime at Massillon Perry 72-64.  The Tygers now stand at 5-2 in all games, 2-0 in the OCC as they prep for Ashland at Arrow Arena Friday.  Ashland comes into the game at 5-2 in all games, 2-1 in the OCC and in a second place tie in conference with Lexington. 

Tyger coach Johntory Reese thought his team still made progress despite two losses over the weekend.  He was not happy about Mansfield falling behind 12-0 to start the game against Dunbar, but was happy with the effort his team gave to get back in it.  The problem was after the game was tied at 55 all, they were pretty much spent and were never able to take the lead.  In Ashland, coach Reese says the Arrows are always tough at home and run their sets well.  He is hoping he can take advantage of their youth.  The Arrows have eight on thier varsity roster, four of them sophomores.

The Tygers took two of three games against Ashland last season, winning the first meeting 67-58 at Pete Henry, but falling at Ashland 74-66 in February.  But the Tygers would take the rubber match in dramatic fashion, coming all the way back after being 25 points down at Willard to beat the Arrows 89-78 in the D-1 sectional final back on March 2nd.   The regular season loss to Ashland prevented the Tygers from winning an outright OCC crown that was shared with Lexington.