Gators seal victory in final 60 seconds

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on January 11, 2014 11:33 PM

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By RYAN HANCHETT

rhanchett@newsargus.com

Spring Creek made the most of its chances in the final minute.

Rosewood could not convert its opportunities.

The Gators earned a 53-50 victory on the Carolina 1-A Conference varsity boys' basketball scene Friday night. The victory moved Spring Creek (7-5 overall, 3-2 CC) ahead of Rosewood in the conference standings.

"We have to take it one game at a time and kind of grind it out," Spring Creek head coach Taylor Jones said. "Tonight we were able to make a few plays in the fourth quarter to get a win."

The Gators jumped ahead 13-8 after one quarter.

Rosewood stormed back as Spring Creek went cold in the second quarter. The Eagles led 28-23 at the halftime break.

In a game of runs, it was the Gators that made the most of the third quarter. Spring Creek held Rosewood to just two field goals and regained the lead on a 3-pointer from Gary Williams.

"We started slow before we got it going in the second quarter," Rosewood head coach Daniel Mitchell said. "Then we came out flat again after the half and (Spring Creek) took advantage."

Dennis Mitchell powered the Eagles back into contention with a pair of baskets in the post early in the fourth quarter. The back-and-forth affair continued as both teams reached the bonus and put in significant time at the charity stripe.

Brandon Gonzalez put Spring Creek ahead 49-48 with 90 seconds left to play. Mitchell had a chance to potentially give Rosewood the lead, but failed to convert a pair of free throws. Gonzalez answered by sinking a pair of foul shots that made the score 51-48 with 58 seconds left.

After a Rosewood turnover, Chad Spurgeon made it a two-possession game with one free throw. Mitchell responded with two perfect shots at the charity stripe that made the score 52-50.

DeVonte Faison sank one-of-two free throws with five seconds to play.

Rosewood got the final shot, but Jon Hair's 60-foot heave banked off the side of the backboard as time expired.

Gonzalez led Spring Creek with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Malik Mitchell and Gary Williams each added eight points in the win.

Mitchell and Ethan Chapin paced Rosewood with 12 points. Jon Hair and Zack Barnes each added 10 points in the defeat.

Rosewood (3-10, 2-3) travels to Princeton on Jan. 17. Spring Creek plays host to James Kenan on Wednesday.