Royals' losing skid reaches three games with a 78-66 loss to Holmes

A close game changed quickly in the fourth quarter and the Holmes Bulldogs beat the Mason County Royals 78-66 this afternoon at the Fieldhouse.

It's Mason County's third straight loss.

There were nine ties and six lead changes in a fast paced first half.

Mason County had a five-point lead in the third quarter, but Holmes rallied to lead 53-49 at the end of the third quarter.

The Bulldogs opened the fourth quarter on a 15-5 run and led by as many as 15 points in the closing minutes.

Mike Englemon scored a game-high 28 points for Holmes.

Trey Gaither, who ended up with 15 points,  hit a three-pointer late in the four quarter and made two treys in the opening minute of the fourth quarter

Mason County was led in scoring by Isaiah Garrison with 20 points.

Leevi Dunaway followed with 15 points.

Royals junior center Dalton Perkins missed his second straight game with a sprained ankle.

Mason County coach Buddy Biggs says it will be late January or early February before Perkins returns to action.

Senior Ty Fox, who suffered an injury in the football season, played for the first time this season and scored four points 

The Royals play at Fleming County Monday night.

H (8-7) Gaither 15, Commodore 4, Englemon 28, Green 10, Miller 14, Saxon 2, Sterling 3, Pouncy 2

NC (9-7) Dunaway 15, Garrison 20, Lofton 7, Boyd 6, Steward 4, Jackson 2, Kumler 8, Fox 4

H    16 16 21 25- 78

MC 13 22 14 17- 66