By GREG MENGELT

PHILADELPHIA — Former New Albany and Indiana University star Romeo Langford scored one point in 16 minutes in the Boston Celtics’ 111-99 loss at Philadelphia on Friday evening.

Langford was 0 for 2 from the field and 1 for 2 from the foul line with a rebound, a steal and a blocked shot.

The 76ers (24-17) led 32-14 and led all but the first 5 minutes of the contest.

Joel Embiid had 25 points, 13 rebounds and six assists for the Sixers. Tyrese Maxey added 25 points and five assists.

Jaylen Brown finished with 21 and Jayson Tatum had 20 for the Celtics, who are now 21-22 after Philly snapped their 3-game winning streak. The 76ers have won nine of their last 10 to move up to the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference. Boston is currently 11th, a half-game behind the New York Knicks of the final playoff spot.

On Saturday, Langford and the Celtics host the Chicago Bulls, who currently have the East’s best record at 27-13.

By GREG MENGELT

It had already been a crazy season, filled with suspensions and injuries and illness. The Devils got star senior Will Lovings-Watts back from suspension and beat Louisville Waggener on Dec. 22. Then came Covid and a mandatory 14-day layoff. Then a couple of snow days canceling practices.

“Hopefully this is the end of it,” second-year Jeff coach Andrew Grantz said. “It’s been an insane, one-of-a-kind year.”

After the two snow days, Grantz and his wife Jenna welcomed their second child, son Garrison Grantz on Saturday at 5:18 a.m.

“It’s definitely been the most interesting year I’ve had,” Grantz said.

On Friday, Jeff (2-5) goes to the Knobs to face 20th-ranked Floyd Central (7-2) in the Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night. It will actually be the first game that Grantz will be the acting head coach for Jeff since Dec. 4. After his bout with pneumonia, he acted as an assistant coach for a couple of games before the Covid outbreak.

Floyd Central coach Todd Sturgeon said he’s never seen anything like what’s happened to Jeff’s program so far this season.

“It’s been an unbelievable first two months of the season for them,” Sturgeon said. “I don’t think their top three players have played a single game together, their coach has missed games. I don’t remember a team going through what they’ve gone through.”

Jeff’s time away will make for an interesting storyline Friday.

“It will make them tough to scout,” Sturgeon said. “Who knows what they’ve put in since the last time they played? Obviously we don’t expect them to be in mid-season form, but they may come out loose and play free. We have no idea really how things are going to turn out.”

The Highlanders, whose 75-51 win over Corydon Central last Friday was their only game in the past 16 days, have been the best team in Southern Indiana through the first few weeks of the season. Floyd’s two losses have come by a combined eight points and that includes a 5-point overtime loss at Jeffersontown (Ky.) on Dec. 11.

“Floyd is a very well coached team. A very big team, very physical team,” Grantz said. “We’re looking at this as our real first true game of year. I’ll be interested to see how our guys respond to that against a good quality opponent.”

Sturgeon has mixed feelings about his team’s 7-2 start. The Highlanders and Bedford North Lawrence are the only unbeaten teams left in the Hoosier Hills Conference. Jeff, Columbus East and Jennings County are winless in league play.

“Like most coaches, I feel like we could’ve done better so far, but overall, if you told me at the beginning of the year we’d be 7-2 and beaten Bloomington South and New Albany and Providence, I’d probably have been OK with that. Really, we’re a couple of possessions from being undefeated. We had shots to win both games. It’s possible we could be 5-4, too, if you choose to look at it that way.”

The Red Devils beat the Highlanders 66-64 in a triple-overtime thriller in last year’s Seymour Sectional semifinal en route to the program’s 39th sectional title. Jeff was our preseason Hoosier Hills and sectional favorites. Floyd appears to be as of today.

“The two teams that have beaten us (Pike and J-Town) are similar teams to Jeff,” Sturgeon said. “That’s why we scheduled them. We get a third crack at it. We’ll see how it turns out this time.”

Grantz said during the break that the Red Devils have put the 2021 portion of the schedule behind them.

“It’s the first time this entire time that we’ve had everybody we started the season with,” Grantz said. “We’re almost approaching it as a brand new year within our program. Anything that was 2021 was last season.”

The Red Devils should be ready to go Friday, assuming it actually happens.

“Fingers crossed,” Grantz said. “ Right now we haven’t gotten through a day without something crazy happening.”

GAME OF THE NIGHT
JEFFERSONVILLE AT FLOYD CENTRAL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Joe Hinton Court, Floyd Central H.S. (6575 Old Vincennes Rd., Floyds Knobs)
• Records:
Jeffersonville 2-5, 0-1 HHC. The Red Devils have lost five of their last six but haven’t played since Dec. 22.
Floyd Central 7-2, 1-0 HHC. The Highlanders have won two in a row and four of their last five.
• Coaches:
Jeffersonville — Andrew Grantz (17-12 in second season at Jeff, 105-54 season overall)
Floyd Central — Todd Sturgeon (129-42 in eighth season at Floyd)
• Rankings:
Floyd Central — No. 20 IBCA (single class).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Jeffersonville — No. 147, No. 74 Class 4A
Floyd Central — No. 24, No. 20 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Jeffersonville — Defeated Louisville Waggener 74-67 (Dec. 22, MAC’s Childcare Holiday Classic at PRP)
Floyd Central — Defeated Corydon Central 75-51 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: Jeffersonville 29-15. The two programs have split their last 14 meetings.
• Most recent meeting: March 5, 2021— Jeffersonville 66, Floyd Central 64, 3OT (Class 4A Seymour Sectional semifinal)
• News & notes: It’s been 22 days since Jeff’s last game, but the Highlanders have also only played once in the last 15 days.
• John Harrell prediction: Floyd Central 65, Jeffersonville 49.
• Sagarin projection: Floyd by 19.
• Outlook: I don’t know. Anything could happen. Jeff is apparently whole and healthy for the first time this year, but the Highlanders are rested and look like the HHC’s and sectional’s best team.
• Greg’s pick: Floyd Central 69, Jeffersonville 53.

EASTERN AT NORTH HARRISON
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: North Harrison H.S. (1070 Hwy. 64 N.W., Ramsey)
• Records:
Eastern 11-1, 2-1 MSC. The Musketeers have won 10 in a row and their last two conference games.
North Harrison 7-2, 3-1 MSC. The Cougars on currently on a 3-game winning streak.
• Coaches:
Eastern — Chandler Prible (23-14 in second season at Eastern)
North Harrison — Lou Lefevre (43-12 in third season at North Harrison, 308-92 in 18th season overall)
• Rankings:
Eastern — No. 12 AP (Class 2A).
North Harrison — No. 12 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Eastern — No. 107, No. 13 Class 2A
North Harrison — No. 50, No. 9 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Eastern — Won at Austin 78-61 (Jan. 8)
North Harrison — Won at Scottsburg 56-52, OT (Jan. 8)
• Last 20 years: North Harrison 13-7. The Cougars have won six consecutive vs. Eastern.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 15, 2021 — North Harrison 64, at Eastern 39.
• John Harrell prediction: North Harrison 62, Eastern 51.
• Sagarin projection: North Harrison by 11.
• Outlook: Man, if Eastern wins this one, we really need to start to take the Musketeers very seriously.
• Greg’s pick: North Harrison 62, Eastern 55.

BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL AT SILVER CREEK
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Silver Creek H.S. (557 Renz Ave., Sellersburg)
• Records:
Brownstown 8-2, 3-0 MSC. The Braves have lost their last two after starting 8-0.
Silver Creek 6-6, 1-2 MSC. The Dragons have won their of their last four.
• Coaches:
Brownstown — Dave Benter (411-155 season at Brownstown)
Silver Creek — Brandon Hoffman (207-79 season at Silver Creek)
• Rankings:
Brownstown — No. 9 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Brownstown — No. 62, No. 13 Class 3A
Silver Creek — No. 124, No. 33 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Brownstown — Lost at Jennings County 75-66 (Jan. 7)
Silver Creek — Lost at Eastern 65-59 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: Brownstown 14-10. Silver Creek has beaten the Braves the last three times they’ve played.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 15, 2021 — Silver Creek 61, at Brownstown 40.
• John Harrell prediction: Brownstown by 3.
• Sagarin projection: Brownstown 60, Silver Creek 59.
• Outlook: I expect the Dragons to rise to the challenge and win this game at home.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 63, Brownstown 60.

AUSTIN AT BORDEN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Borden Junior-Senior H.S. (301 West St., Borden)
• Records:
Austin 2-7. The Eagles have lost two straight and four of their last five.
Borden 8-4. The Braves have won four of their last five games.
• Coaches:
Austin — Randy Edwards (37-69 in fifth season at Austin)
Borden — Doc Nash (212-153 in 16th season at Borden)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Austin — No. 266, No. 59 Class 2A
Borden — No. 226, No. 26 Class A
• Most recent game:
Austin — Lost to Eastern 78-61 (Jan. 8)
Borden — Lost to Rock Creek 57-42 (Jan. 8)
• Last 20 years: Borden 11-9. The Braves have won the last two in a very competitive series.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 15, 2021 — Borden 79, at Austin 58.
• News & notes: Nash was an assistant coach at Austin under Scott Matthews before landing at Borden for the past 16 seasons.
• John Harrell prediction: Borden 63, Austin 55.
• Sagarin projection: Borden by 9.
• Outlook: The Braves should win at home, but I don’t think it would be a surprise if Austin left with the win.
• Greg’s pick: Borden 70, Austin 65.

CLARKSVILLE AT CORYDON CENTRAL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Corydon Central H.S. (375 Country Club Rd., Corydon)
• Records:
Clarksville 4-6. The Generals have won two of their last three.
Corydon Central 6-6. The Panthers have won four of their last five.
• Coaches:
Clarksville — Kyle Hankins (4-6 in first season at Clarksville)
Corydon Central — Joseph Hinton (27-32 in third season at Corydon Central)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Clarksville — No. 269, No. 61 Class 2A
Corydon Central — No. 166, No. 45 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Clarksville — Defeated New Washington 62-60 (Jan. 8)
Corydon Central — Lost at Floyd Central 75-51 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: Corydon Central 11-9. The Panthers have won the last two vs. Clarksville.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 15, 2021 — Corydon Central 63, at Clarksville 58.
• John Harrell prediction: Corydon Central 63, Clarksville 48.
• Sagarin projection: Corydon by 15.
• Outlook: Both teams have been a little inconsistent, but it’s pretty clear the Panthers are the better team at this point in the season.
• Greg’s pick: Corydon Central 68, Clarksville 47.

LANESVILLE AT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Christian Academy of Indiana (1000 Academy Dr., New Albany)
• Records:
Lanesville 2-10. The Eagles have lost three of their last five.
Christian Academy 6-6. The Warriors have alternated wins and losses over the last eight games.
• Coaches:
Lanesville — Mikel Miller (289-219 in 22nd season at Lanesville)
Christian Academy — Hayden Casey (15-23 in second season at CAI)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Lanesville — No. 334, No. 63 Class A
Christian Academy — No. 254, No. 37 Class A
• Most recent game:
Lanesville — Lost at South Central 57-50 (Jan. 7)
Christian Academy — Lost at Christian Academy of Louisville 79-59 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: Lanesville 24-13. The Eagles beat CAI twice last season. The Warriors had won the previous two.
• Most recent meeting: March 6, 2021 — Lanesville 61, Christian Academy 49 (Class A Borden Sectional championship).
• John Harrell prediction: CAI 64, Lanesville 48.
• Sagarin projection: CAI by 15.
• Outlook: It seems like the Warriors are the better team, but it’s hard to say this early in the season.
• Greg’s pick: CAI 63, Lanesville 53.

SCOTTSBURG AT SALEM
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Brooks Memorial Gymnasium, Salem H.S. (700 N. Harrison St., Salem)
• Records:
Scottsburg 8-4, 5-2 MSC. The Warriors have lost two of their last three but have won five of their last eight.
Salem 4-7, 0-1 MSC. The Lions have won two of their last three.
• Coaches:
Scottsburg — Eric Richardson (14-22 in third season at Scottsburg)
Salem — Duane Malloy (4-7 in first season at Salem)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Scottsburg — No. 90, No. 26 Class 3A
Salem — No. 316, No. 85 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Scottsburg — Lost to North Harrison 56-52, OT (Jan. 8)
Salem — Won at Crawford County 77-69 (Jan. 8)
• Last 20 years: Scottsburg 15-11. The Warriors have won the last two against Salem.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 15, 2021 — At Scottsburg 56, Salem 52.
• News & notes: With their win over Crawford County, the Lions equaled last year’s win total of four with more than five weeks left in the regular season.
• John Harrell prediction: Scottsburg 71, Salem 43.
• Sagarin projection: Scottsburg by 23.
• Outlook: Scottsburg’s been a bit of the forgotten teams when it comes to the MSC elite.
• Greg’s pick: Scottsburg 75, Salem 54.

SPRINGS VALLEY AT WEST WASHINGTON
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Tower Gymnasium, West Washington H.S. (8028 W. Batt Rd., Campbellsburg)
• Records:
Springs Valley 8-3. The Blackhawks have won four in a row and eight of their last nine.
West Washington 3-9. The Senators have lost four of their last five.
• Coaches:
Springs Valley — Jonathon Bowles (18-16 in second season at Springs Valley)
West Washington — Clayton Sullivan (42-45 in fourth season at West Washington)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Springs Valley — No. 199, No. 18 Class A
West Washington — No. 331, No. 60 Class A
• Most recent game:
Springs Valley — Won at Tecumseh 59-55 (Jan. 8)
West Washington — Defeated South Central 52-35 (Jan. 11)
• Last 20 years: West Washington 20-11. Springs Valley has won four of the last five vs. the Senators.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 15, 2021 — At Springs Valley 66, West Washington 57.
• John Harrell prediction: Springs Valley 59, West Washington 48.
• Sagarin projection: Springs Valley by 13.
• Outlook: The Blackhawks aren’t as good as their record and the Senators aren’t as bad as theirs. I’ll take the “upset.”
• Greg’s pick: West Washington 55, Springs Valley 53.

CHARLESTOWN AT PERRY CENTRAL
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Location: Perry Central H.S. (18677 Old State Road 37, Leopold)
• Records:
Charlestown 3-8. The Pirates have lost five straight.
Perry Central 6-6. The Commodores have won three of their last five.
• Coaches:
Charlestown — Matt Lynch (3-8 in first season at Charlestown, 72-58 in sixth season overall)
Perry Central — Jeff Litherland (6-6 in first season at Perry Central, 99-52 in seventh season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Charlestown — No. 307, No. 80 Class 3A
Perry Central — No. 232, No. 82 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Charlestown — Lost at Madison 67-46 (Jan. 8)
Perry Central — Defeated Wood Memorial 50-38 (Jan. 11)
• Last 20 years: First meeting.
• John Harrell prediction: Charlestown 49, Perry Central 48.
• Sagarin projection: Perry Central by 1.
• Outlook: This is a good chance to get a momentum-changing win. The Pirates are probably the better team here.
• Greg’s pick: Charlestown 59, Perry Central 55.

By GREG MENGELT

Salem and Scottsburg have both had good years, but neither has been a major factor in the Mid-Southern Conference race.

So it’s not about that anymore for these teams. Going forward, for most every team, the season becomes about the playoffs. The local Class 3A sectional, which will be played at North Harrison this season, looks like defending state champion Silver Creek’s to lose, but Salem and Scottsburg (along with Corydon Central, Charlestown, Madison and North Harrison) want to be there if the 17-1 Dragons stumble.

The 8-6 Lions and 10-7 Warriorettes meet in Thursday’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night with gaining momentum the goal.

“We’re looking to improve each game heading into the postseason,” Scottsburg’s second-year coach Carrie Daniels said. “We have been very inconsistent this season, largely in part to youth and relying on some players that haven’t had a lot of minutes in the past.”

Salem, which has been in contention for championship for more than a half-decade now, has also been inconsistent this season, but everyone knows the Lions are talented and will be dangerous in February.

“Salem is always a tough place to play and they are a very good veteran team,” Daniels said. “They have been in the trenches and know what it takes. We have got to step up and rely on our defense to get some stops and convert them into offense.”

GAME OF THE NIGHT
SCOTTSBURG AT SALEM
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Brooks Memorial Gymnasium, Salem H.S. (700 N. Harrison St., Salem)
• Records:
Scottsburg 10-7, 2-4 MSC. The Warriorettes have alternated wins and losses over their last 11 games.
Salem 8-6, 2-2 MSC. The Lions have lost two straight and four of their last six.
• Coaches:
Scottsburg — Carrie Daniels (18-22 in second season at Scottsburg, 121-78 in seventh season overall)
Salem — Jerry Hickey (145-71 in ninth season at Salem)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Scottsburg — No. 87, No. 24 Class 3A
Salem — No. 66, No. 16 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Scottsburg — Won at Seymour 46-43 (Jan. 4)
Salem — Lost at Silver Creek 41-31 (Jan. 8)
• Last 20 years: 13-13. Salem has won eight straight in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 14, 2021 — Salem 77, at Scottsburg 44.
• News & notes: Salem beat the Warriorettes twice last season, 77-44 in the regular season and 70-47 in the postseason.
• John Harrell prediction: Salem 54, Scottsburg 43.
• Sagarin projection: Salem by 12.
• Outlook: The Lions have a couple unexpected losses, but it would be silly to count them out next month.
• Greg’s pick: Salem 60, Scottsburg 49.

LANESVILLE AT ROCK CREEK
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Rock Creek Academy/Restoration Christian Church (8000 Diefenbach Ln., Sellersburg)
• Records:
Lanesville 18-1. The Eagles have won 14 in a row.
Rock Creek 7-7. Rock Creek has lost their last three.
• Coaches:
Lanesville — Angie Hinton (80-16 in fourth season at Lanesville, 252-89 in 15th season overall)
Rock Creek — Sara Nord (9-16 in second season at Rock Creek)
• Rankings:
Lanesville — No. 1 AP (Class A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Lanesville — No. 46, No. 2 Class A
Rock Creek — No. 324, No. 63 Class A
• Most recent game:
Lanesville — Won at Trinity Lutheran 70-47 (Jan. 11)
Rock Creek — Lost at Shawe 46-34 (Jan. 10)
• Last 20 years: Lanesville 24-1. The Eagles have won their last three games against Rock Creek.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 7, 2020 — Lanesville 66, Rock Creek 19 (Class A New Washington Sectional semifinal)
• John Harrell prediction: Lanesville 66, Rock Creek 17.
• Sagarin projection: Lanesville by 43.
• Outlook: The Eagles are proving they’re a true state finals contender.
• Greg’s pick: Lanesville 67, Rock Creek 20.

AUSTIN AT NORTH HARRISON
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: North Harrison H.S. (1070 Hwy. 64 N.W., Ramsey)
• Records:
Austin 5-9, 0-5 MSC. The Eagles have won three of their last four.
North Harrison 9-7, 3-2 MSC. The Lady Cats have lost three in a row.
• Coaches:
Austin — Jared Petersen (236-173 in 17th season at Austin)
North Harrison — Jamie Kolkmeier (21-13 in second season at North Harrison)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Austin — No. 198, No. 45 Class 2A
North Harrison — No. 141, No. 43 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Austin — Lost at Crawford County 74-73, OT (Jan. 4)
North Harrison — Lost at Seymour 54-32 (Jan. 8)
• Last 20 years: North Harrison 12-8. The Lady Cats are riding a 6-game winning streak vs. Austin.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 14, 2021 — North Harrison 57, at Austin 44.
• John Harrell prediction: North Harrison 53, Austin 41.
• Sagarin projection: North Harrison by 12.
• Outlook: I like the way Austin’s playing. I’ll take the upset.
• Greg’s pick: Austin 50, North Harrison 49.

CLARKSVILLE AT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Christian Academy of Indiana (1000 Academy Dr., New Albany)
• Records:
Clarksville 3-15. The Generals have lost three straight.
CAI 5-10. The Warriors have lost two of their last three but have won three of their last five.
• Coaches:
Clarksville — Amanda Carmichael (11-31 in second season at Clarksville, 71-125 in ninth season overall)
CAI — Carson Casey (13-45 in third season at CAI)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Clarksville — No. 369, No. 95 Class 2A
CAI — No. 351, No. 74 Class A
• Most recent game:
Clarksville — Lost to New Washington 59-20 (Jan. 8)
CAI — Lost at Portland Christian 51-36 (Jan. 10)
• Last 20 years: Clarksville 11-10.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 7, 2021 — CAI 35, at Clarksville 26.
• John Harrell prediction: Christian Academy 42, Clarksville 31.
• Sagarin projection: Christian Academy by 12.
• Outlook: This is a chance at a rematch for the Generals, but it might be even tougher at CAI.
• Greg’s pick: CAI 45, Clarksville 30.

CRAWFORD COUNTY AT WEST WASHINGTON
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Tower Gymnasium, West Washington H.S. (8028 W. Batt Rd., Campbellsburg)
• Records:
Crawford County 7-10. The Wolfpack have won their last two of six of their last nine.
West Washington 12-4. The Senators are currently on a 6-game winning streak.
• Coaches:
Crawford County — Christopher Broughton (118-92 in ninth season at Crawford)
West Washington — Matthew Myers (20-19 in second season at West Washington)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Crawford County — No. 203, No. 46 Class 2A
West Washington — No. 263, No. 37 Class A
• Most recent game:
Crawford County — Defeated Springs Valley 37-34 (Jan. 11)
West Washington — Won at Rock Creek 50-30 (Jan. 10)
• Last 20 years: Crawford County 17-3. The Wolfpack have won seven in a row in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 25, 2021 — At Crawford County 36, West Washington 21.
• John Harrell prediction: Crawford County 44, West Washington 36.
• Sagarin projection: Crawford Count by 5.
• Outlook: This game could go either way, but I like the way the Senators have found ways to get wins.
• Greg’s pick: West Washington 45, Crawford County 42.

ORLEANS AT BORDEN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Borden Junior-Senior H.S. (301 West St., Borden)
• Records:
Orleans 4-14. The Bulldogs have lost three of their last four and 14 of their last 16.
Borden 9-7. The Braves have lost their last two.
• Coaches:
Orleans — Jared Gilbert (61-71 in sixth season at Orleans)
Borden — Matt Vick (43-63 in fifth season at Borden)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Orleans — No. 325, No. 64 Class A
Borden — No. 316, No. 59 Class A
• Most recent game:
Orleans — Defeated White River Valley 55-42 (Jan. 11)
Borden — Lost at Paoli 57-13 (Jan. 8)
• Last 20 years: Orleans 12-8. The Bulldogs have beaten Borden three consecutive times.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 16, 2021 — Orleans 53, at Borden 45.
• John Harrell prediction: Borden 40, Orleans 39.
• Sagarin projection: Borden by 6.
• Outlook: Toss ups favor the home team.
• Greg’s pick: Borden 49, Orleans 43.

By GREG MENGELT

RENO, Nev. — Tre Coleman scored three points off the Nevada bench and his Wolf Pack were beaten 85-70 by visiting Boise State on Wednesday at the Lawlor Evenets Center.

The Broncos (11-4, 2-0 MWC), who’ve won eight games in a row, led by as much as 70-49 with 8:21 left in the contest.

Coleman, a sophomore, played 26 minutes Wednesday and had three rebounds and two assists to go along with his three points. He was 1 for 6 from the field, including 0 of 4 from behind the 3-point arc, and made one of his two free throw attempts.

The Wolf Pack (7-6, 1-1) have lost two of their last three games following a 5-game winning streak. Nevada was led by 26 points from junior guard Grant Sheffield, who increased his team-best scoring average to 19.4 points per game.

Boise State senior Marcus Shaver had a game-high 28 points and his classmate and backcourt mate Emmanuel Akot added 23. Senior forward Naje Smith scored 11 points off the Bronco bench.

On Saturday, Coleman will get to renew a bit of a rivalry when Nevada goes to Colorado Springs to face former Floyd Central standout Jake Heidbreder and the Air Force Falcons (8-5, 1-1). Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. and the game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.

By GREG MENGELT

The Panthers have won three straight and sit atop the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference standings at 6-1. They are 10-2 overall.

Sophomore forward Max Munoz (Indianapolis/Southport) led Hanover’s balanced attack with 20 points on 9 of 14 shooting. Sophomore guard Max Greenamoyer (Zionsville/University) added 15 points and junior forward Ty Houston (Union, Ky./Cooper) contributed 14. Williams finished with nine points — on 4 of 5 shooting — as well as three rebounds and two assists, while Hibbard had eight points, a team-high nine rebounds and a team-best seven assists in the win.

Sophomore forward Ty Wright (Mooresville) had 19 points to lead the Grizzlies, who shot just 27.8 percent (5 for 18) from behind the 3-point arc. Junior forward Carter Crowe (Greenwood/Whiteland) finished with 14 and freshman guard Reggie McDonald (Indianapolis/Perry Meridian) had 12 in the loss.

Hanover, which led Franklin 36-28 at halftime and pulled away in the second half, hosts Manchester (6-8) on Saturday at 2 p.m. The Spartans have won four straight and are a game behind the Panthers at 5-2 in conference play.

By GREG MENGELT

The Celtics led nearly the entire way and by as many as 23 points in the victory.

Romeo Langford, a former New Albany and Indiana University star, scored three points in 3 minutes. His 3-pointer with 2:48 remaining gave Boston its largest lead of the night at 114-92.

Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 33 points. He also had 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocked shots in the win. Myles Turner’s 18 points paced Indiana, which has lost eight of its last nine games.

The Celtics, who improve to 21-21 with their third straight win, go to Philadelphia on Friday at 7:30 p.m. At 23-17, the 76ers are three games ahead of Boston and currently fifth in the Eastern Conference. Boston is tenth.

The Pacers (15-27) stay home for a date with defending Western Conference champion Phoenix (31-9) on Friday at 7 p.m.