Malvern jumped out to a 26-9 first-quarter lead and never looked back as it defeated Sandy Valley 77-50 in an Inter-Valley Conference clash between the two rivals.
The hosts took a 43-27 lead into halftime, and extended their lead to 59-42 heading into the final quarter.
It has been more than five years since the Cardinals have recorded a victory in this series, as the Hornets have won the last 11 contests.
Tucci filled the stat sheets with 24 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
Kapron added 17 points and 11 rebounds; Shawn Ball had 13 points, three steals and three rebounds; Trey Tucci had nine points and four boards; Clay Davis had seven points; Nick Mohr had three points and three assists; and Tyson Tucci had three steals.
"We had a great start to the game," stated Head Coach Dennis Tucci. "Travis and Max combined for 21 first-quarter points. Our kids were focused and ran out to that big lead. We were never really threatened after that, but with our foul trouble, we had to have guys step up and do some different things.
"For example, with our big guys on the bench, we were forced to play with all guards. Travis really picked up the rebound duties as he cleared nine rebounds in the second half. Travis had a steady game.
"Tyson seemed to be all over the floor on the defensive end. Nick Mohr played his most minutes of the year, and was very active. Trey had a good night shooting the three ball, but he was also steady with the ball with no turnovers.
"Max equaled Travis with nine rebounds in the first half and was jumping out of the gym. When he is active like that, he is a crowd favorite. His rebound and basket to end the first quarter was very impressive. He had great stats and they would have been better if he wasn't in foul trouble.
"Shawn also was in foul trouble as he only played 15 minutes. He did a great job when he was in. Jordan Glick played his most minutes and certainly helped steady the ship.
"The seniors are tremendously happy and proud to know they beat their rivals in all eight games. That is certainly a rare and exciting feat."
Malvern was 29-of-64 from the field and 15-of-22 from the line, while the Cardinals were 20-of-46 from the floor and 6-of-13 from the line. The winners led in rebounds 37-27, and committed just eight turnovers, while forcing 19 miscues.
Earlier in the week, the boys lost to Hiland 78-56.
The Division IV state champions led 14-9 after the opening quarter, before blowing the game wide open with a 26-13 second stanza to lead at halftime, 40-22. Malvern was never able to get back into this key IVC showdown.
Travis Tucci paced the way with 22 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Shawn Ball added 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Max Kapron finished with nine points and four boards, and Clay Davis had four points and five rebounds.
Malvern was 20-of-50 from the field and 12-of-17 from the line, while the Hawks were 30-of-53 from the floor and 11-of-15 from the charity stripe.
The winners held a 30-22 rebounding edge, and both teams had 11 turnovers.
Dylan Kaufman paced Hiland with 23 points, while Seger Bonifant added 20.
"The stats don't lie, Hiland outplayed us in every category," noted Coach Tucci. "They were hitting on all cylinders and we were struggling to find some answers. We couldn't stop them at all.
"Travis and Shawn were aggressive in the paint, and we handled the ball well, but those were the only positives."
Malvern (12-3, 8-2) was to face Garaway on Jan. 31, before traveling to Newcomerstown this Friday, Feb. 3. The boys will host Ridgewood on Tuesday, Feb. 7.
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