The Wildcats’ basketball team came up short in their regional quarterfinal game against Prosper at Princeton Tuesday night but the Wildcats put up a tremendous fight in a triple overtime loss to the Eagles, 69-64.
With the Wildcats trailing by three but hoping to get off a tying shot, Prosper got a big steal. A lay up was missed but a second Eagle grabbed the rebound and dunked the ball to give Prosper a five point lead. Desperation threes by the Wildcats did not fall in the final seconds and the Eagles celebrated their win.
The entire game was a nip and tuck affair with neither team able to mount much of a lead. The Wildcats got out to a 7-0 lead and led 16-11 after the first quarter. The Wildcats managed only 4 points in the second quarter as Prosper moved out in front 21-20 at the half. The Wildcats moved back into the lead after three quarters, 35-33. The teams were tied 46-46 after regulation, were knotted at 54-54 after the first overtime and were even at 60-60 after the second overtime. Prosper outscored the Wildcats 9-4 in the third overtime. Seven of Prosper’s nine points came from the foul line in the third overtime.
Godsgift Ezedinma led the Wildcats with 20 points including two three-point baskets. Keaston Willis had four three-pointers and he scored 14 points. Sadaidriene Day Day Hall had 11 points, all of them coming in the overtime periods. Bryson Lynn had 9 points on three made three point shots. Victor Iwuakor scored seven points before fouling out. Dedric Godbolt had 3 points. Michael Jefferson had 1 point before fouling out. Prosper also lost two players to fouls. The game’s leading scorer, Eagles’ point guard Josh Davis, had 23 points before fouling out.
The Wildcats end up with a fine 30-5 record. Four of the Wildcats who started Tuesday night are expected to return next season along with lots of talented bench players.
