Royals lose to Boyd Co. 82-74 in AIT opening game

The Mason County Royals fell behind early, played catch up the rest of the game and lost to the Boyd County Lions 82-74 today in the opening game of the 63rd Ashland Invitational Tournament.

Mason County trailed by 11 points in the first quarter, but rallied to tie the score at 29-29 in the second quarter.

Boyd County led 41-35 at halftime and 57-45 late in the third quarter.

The Royals closed to within two points at 72-70, but the Lions were able to hang on and advance to the semifinals.

Boyd County made 14 of 14 free throws in the fourth quarter.

Leevi Dunaway led Mason County in scoring with 24 points. 

Jeremiah Jones followed with a career-high 16 points, Caleb Boyd tossed in 13 points and Jayden Steward added 12 points.

Mason County will play Owensboro Catholic Thursday at 2:30 p.m. in the consolation bracket.

BC (7-3) Stewart 11, Smith 12, Robinson 27, Taylor 10, Short 17, West 5

MC (7-4) Dunaway 24, Lofton 2, Perkins 5, Boyd 13, Steward 12, Jones 16

BC  21 20 19 22- 82

MC 13 22 16 23- 74