GALION — The Galion Tigers dropped their third consecutive game against a quality opponent on Friday night when Marion Harding came to town.

Harding (10-2, 6-1 MOAC) proved that a slow start wouldn’t be a problem and churned out a 70-61 Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference win.

Presidents sophomore Boston Pearson scored a game-high 16 points and proved to be a matchup issue inside for the Tigers. Galion was led by junior Quinn Miller and senior Steven Glew, who each had 12 points.

Galion (5-5, 4-3 MOAC) got the start they wanted with a 16-10 lead over Harding after a quarter of play. Kael Longwell knocked in two triples to start things out for the Tigers offensively. Harding senior Marquis Long Jr. got into foul trouble in the second quarter, and it presented an early opportunity for Galion.

Braylyn Dyer ignited a second-quarter turnaround for Harding with 12 of his 15 points in those eight minutes. Harding took a 38-34 lead into halftime after a big second quarter.

In the third quarter, it was Pearson who led things for Harding. Seven of his 16 points came in the third and Harding took control of the game with a 56-48 advantage going into the final quarter.

Harding maintained control of the game through the finish.

Galion had a big advantage in the three-point department, 11-4. That was a staple that was able to keep them within striking distance.

Tigers senior Cooper Kent was limited to 10 points, but five of those came in the final period when Galion was trying to claw back. Seniors Coen Fuson and Elijah Chafin contributed six points apiece.

Long had 13 points for Harding and Logan Thrapp pitched in 11 of his own. Parker Iden added eight points and Alex Stokes had seven himself.

Harding turned the ball over just six times, compared to ten for Galion. The Presidents were 10-of-15 from the charity stripe and Galion made 6-of-9.

This game ended a gauntlet of tests for the Tigers that consisted of Lexington, River Valley, and Marion Harding. Next up for Galion is a trip to Clear Fork on Jan. 18.

Harding plays Indian Valley at Ohio Dominican University on Saturday, Jan. 12, then will clash with Shelby on Jan. 18.