Staff report
SALISBURY — Senior Jaliyah McNeely came through with a career-best 20 points and pushed Salisbury’s girls to a 58-42 win against Tuscola in the opening round of the 4A basketball state playoffs.
McNeely’s previous high was 13 points. She got 13 in the second half alone on Tuesday.
Salisbury had a terrific first quarter fueled by McNeely and Keaira Spruill and jumped out to an 18-6 lead.
The 18th-seeded Mountaineers (11-12) took over in the second quarter, held the 15th-seeded Hornets without a field goal and closed the gap to 25-24 at halftime.
The start of the second half was critical. Gabbi Fatovic had two key buckets for the Hornets.
With Salisbury down 33-32, McNeely made a 3-pointer with 2:32 left in the third quarter. That shot put the Hornets ahead to stay.
Elle Blankenship made a 3-pointer for a 41-33 lead, and the Hornets were in control by the end of the third quarter.
Spruill scored 13 for Salisbury (13-10), while Fatovic had 11.
Salisbury will play at second-seeded Pisgah on Thursday. Pisgah had a first-round bye.
Tuscola 6 18 10 8 — 42
Salisbury 18 7 20 13 — 58
SALISBURY — McNeely 20, Spruill 13, Fatovic 11, Woodruff 6, Blankenship 5, Ambers 2, Gaither 1.
