July 22 | Topeka, Kansas
Frank Mason III scored 23 points as JHX Hoops (Kansas Alumni) erased a 14-point halftime deficit to defeat Purple Reign (Kansas State Alumni) 84-80 Wednesday night, evening their best-of-three first-round TBT series at one game apiece. The victory forces a decisive Game 3 on Friday night at Bramlage Coliseum.
Facing elimination after Tuesday night’s 80-61 loss in Manhattan, the Kansas Alumni responded with a resilient performance, overcoming an early Purple Reign surge to keep their $2 million championship hopes alive.
Purple Reign controlled the opening half behind a balanced offensive attack, building a 22-17 lead after the first quarter before extending its advantage to 47-33 at halftime. Xavier Sneed caught fire early, while Michael Beasley and Shaun Williams helped Kansas State shoot nearly 46 percent from the field through the opening two quarters.
The momentum shifted immediately after the break. JHX Hoops opened the third quarter with renewed energy, outscoring Purple Reign 25-18 behind Billy Preston, Zeke Mayo and Jacob Hanna to trim the deficit to 75-70 entering the Elam Ending.
With the Target Score set at 83, Frank Mason III took over, scoring 10 of JHX Hoops’ final 13 points, including the game-winning basket, to complete the comeback and seal an 84-80 victory.
Mason led all scorers with 23 points while adding six rebounds and three assists. Billy Preston finished with 18 points and a game-high nine rebounds, Zeke Mayo added 15 points, and Jacob Hanna contributed 12 points and six rebounds as four JHX Hoops players scored in double figures.
Purple Reign was paced by Xavier Sneed, who poured in 27 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including five three-pointers. Michael Beasley added 16 points and eight rebounds, while Shaun Williams scored 15 points off the bench. Austin Trice controlled the glass with a game-high 10 rebounds..
JHX Hoops dominated inside, outscoring Purple Reign 46-14 in the paint while shooting 45.6 percent from the field. Purple Reign knocked down 12 three-pointers to Kansas’ six, but the Jayhawks alumni controlled the interior and used a 51-point second half to complete the comeback.
The rivalry series now returns to Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan for a winner-take-all Game 3 on Friday night at 6:00 p.m. CT on FS2, with the winner advancing to the Alumni Bracket semifinals. Tickets are available to purchase HERE.
