Trojans rally to beat Horsemen in overtime, 61-59
<p>Freshman guard Sean Opland ties the score at 53 with this free throw and sends the game into over time vs. Plains</p>
<p>Bruce Metz jump shot in third quarter won't go vs. Plains.</p>
<p>Coach Cory Andersen reacts to a foul called on Gabe Hickman in the third quarter vs. Plains.</p>
<p>Sean Opland drives on Jeremiah Crawford in fourth quarter vs. Plains.</p>
Troy’s boys basketball team won a thrilling overtime game against conference rival Plains on Friday night, 61-59.
The Trojans rallied from a deficit in the first quarter to come racing back, before mental mistakes and the Horsemen’s potent post game nearly cost Troy the game.
Troy freshman Sean Opland, who had shot just 2-of-7 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter, drew a foul with 14.6 seconds left.
He sank both shots to send the game to extra time.
From there, Troy seemed to take control, as senior Austin Grable hit a huge corner three and notched a free throw.
Grable was glad he was able to contribute to the win, but noticed his team’s unfortunate trend.
“It’s just a thing where we come out flat at halftime,” he said. “I’m not sure what it is.”
Five Trojan players hit double figures, and Troy outscored Plains 24-13 in the second quarter.
“They were taking off on us,” said Plains Coach Russ Baker. “We weren’t stopping the penetration.”
Troy looked to be in charge in overtime until Plains senior Dallas Burgess hit two big 3-pointers to draw the Horsemen within two.
“I thought we continued to play well in spurts,” said Troy Head Coach Cory Andersen. “We’re a young team, but it’s time to grow up.”
Troy will travel to Libby on Friday to take on the Loggers.
Plains 13 13 7 20 6 - 59
Troy 8 24 8 13 8 - 61
Plains: Jeremiah Crawford 15, Dallas Burgess 10, Kyle Revier 9, Jon Baker 8, Aaron Baker 8, Wyatt Winebrenner 7, Trent Brouillette 2.
Troy: Austin Grable 15, Gabe Hickman 12, Gage Tallmadge 12, Bruce Metz 10, Sean Opland 10, Nathan Olds 2.