BASKETBALL: Murphy girls slip by Elverado as DQ Tip-off begins
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[In the first game of the Indians Tip-Off Classic, Murphysboro came out victorious over Elverado 37-35 in both teams' season opener.
Elverado was down by eight at the half (21-13). They were down by six in the fourth quarter and ended up tied at 35 with Murphysboro. Elverado had two turnovers in the final seconds that allowed Murphysboro to score and win by two.
Elverado Coach Lance Bedar said that "being 18-of-37 at the free throw line killed us. We didn't shoot very well (from the field) either."
Lacey Qualls led Elverado with 12 points, Sami Hicks added 11, Chelsea Cochran 5, Jennifer Sarenson 4, Corrine Wilson 1, Rebecca Korando 1, and Meghann Trammel 1.
In the second game, Steeleville was fortunate to win 46-45 over Johnston City. Johnston City played from behind the entire game, but tied it up and even led in the fourth quarter. Steeleville managed to win on a free throw in the closing seconds.
Alex Gale scored 15 points to lead Steeleville in the victory, Marissa Montgomery led Johnston City with 19 points.
The tournament continues on Thursday with Johnston City and Elverado playing at 6:30. DuQuoin will play Murphysboro at 8:00.