Springfield Holiday Basketball: Branson Boys Pull Upset

The Branson Pirates upend the second seeded Ozark Tigers to return to the Blue and Gold Semi-finals for the first time in 13 years.

The Pirates hold off the Tigers 66-63, rallying from a seven point fourth quarter deficit to earn the win, the first over the Tigers in seven years. Ozark had a seven point lead early in the fourth quarter but then Branson closed the game on a 19-9 run to gain the win. Nolan Tolivar leads the Pirates with 15 points while Jayce Culver adds 14 and Collin Ross chips in 13 points. Phin Scott led Ozark with 14 points.

Branson will meet Glendale in the semi-finals today at 5:30. 

Three other Lakes Area Teams played in the Consolation Bracket with two matching up against each other, Crane and Spokane with the Pirates knocking off the Owls 54-49. Reeds Spring was eliminated from the tournament with a 63-27 loss to Lebanon.

Meanwhile at the Pink and White Lady Classic at Drury University, Aurora remains undefeated as they hold off the Branson Lady Pirates 55-47. The Lady Pirates mad several charges in the game, but could not overcome a slow start to pull out the victory. Branson will play Hillcrest in the consolation bracket today at 12:30. 

Game coverage of both Branson Games will air online with Branson-Hillcrest Girls Game from Weiser Gym covered on MOARK Sports Dot Com while the Bransoon-Glendale Boys Game will be covered on the Reeds Spring/Perry Phillips Sports Dot Com Channel on MOARK Sports.