Men's college basketball: Three Rivers 88, State Fair 75

Despite a strong second half, the State Fair Roadrunners couldn’t overcome a slow start Saturday night in Poplar Bluff.

The Three Rivers Raiders built a 37-23 halftime lead en route to an 88-75 Region 16 men’s basketball victory.

The Roadrunners, who have lost fourth straight, shot 31 percent (9 of 29) from the field, including 1 for 6 from 3-point range in the first half.

Rebounding and depth were the keys to victory for the Raiders.

Three Rivers held a 48-33 advantage in rebounds and outscored the Roadrunners 19-8 on second-chance points.

The Raiders’ reserves outscored their counterparts 39-12.

Alfonzo Houston paced State Fair with 21 points, Kenny Chery had 19 and Ayo Ojo had 17 points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Tarius Johnson scored a game-high 26 points for Three Rivers.

State Fair fell to 12-11 overall and 2-3 in the region.