Tre Garcia popped in three treys in the opening 8 minutes for the Buffs to give McAlester a slight 18-14 advantage after one.
As soon as the second period started so did Fort Gibson. The defense was relentless on the boards controlling the rebounds at both ends of the court, but the big story was forward Conner Calavan. Calavan, who had hit for two three-pointers in the first period stormed the Buffalos with six from downtown in the second to help give the Tigers a 38-22 lead going into the locker room and they never looked back.
After the break, Calavan wasn’t done. He added three more treys in the third for an outstanding 11 three-pointers and a career high 41 point night. Max Wicks had the hot hand in the fourth with 4 buckets from downtown.
The three double figure scorers for Fort Gibson were Calavan (41), Seth Rowan (14) and Wicks (12).
McAlester had three in doubles with Te Holiman (26), Garcia (12) and Lewis Woodmore with 10
Fort Gibson will compete in the Old Fort Classic this weekend as the Buffalos head for corrals until they host the 6th ranked 4A, Ada Cougars (10-3) on the 28th.