The Varsity Boys Basketball team hosted the Statesboro Blue Devils in the second round of the 2016 State Tournament Saturday afternoon, February 20. It was a late arriving crowd which slowly filled the student section to capacity and those who arranged their day's schedule to attend witnessed a thrilling come-back win by the Raiders.
The first quarter score gave no indication of the forthcoming drama. Statesboro, ahead by only one point (14-13) after the first period, steadily built an almost insurmountable lead. At halftime, the Raiders trailed 34-20 and could not correct their slide even into the third period. Midway in the third, the Blue Devils held a crushing 41-23 lead. The faithful Raiders fans were quiet. Slowly the Raiders started slicing into the deficit. At the end of the third period, the Blue Devils still held a ten point margin (41-31).
The terse Twitter updates below from several sources help capture the nerve-wracking final moments:
- With 3:40 remaining, Stateboro holds to 47-40 lead
- Raiders closing the gap before a raucous crowd
- With 1:40 on the clock, Statesboro leading by one point, 47-46
- Devils turnover. Foul in transition sends Riverwood to the line to shoot 2
- Riverwood misses 1st free throw. Hits 2nd to tie game. 1:33 to go
- 27 seconds left in game. Statesboro down one point & has the ball
- Statesboro cannot score & fouls with 16.9 seconds to go. Send Raiders to line for 1-1
- Raiders take one point lead 48-47. Devils call timeout
The Raiders overcame an 18 point deficit to win 48-47 and advance to the Elite Eight.
They play McIntosh High School on Friday, February 26. The Chiefs went undefeated in their region (18-0) and are the #1 seed from Region 4-AAAAA.
The game is at 8:15pm at the Frank Lumpkin, Jr. Center on the campus of Columbus State University, 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, 31907. Tickets are $10.
Students may sign up to ride the Raider Spirit bus from school -- learn more
VIEW THE CLASS AAAAA BOYS BASKETBALL 2015-16 STATE TOURNAMENT BRACKET
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