CHARLOTTESVILLE — Eastern Hancock scored one solitary point in overtime.
On Tuesday night, that point was golden, as Eastern Hancock defeated Triton Central 61-60 after holding the visiting Tigers scoreless in the overtime period.
“I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a game with one point in overtime,” Royals coach Aaron Spaulding said afterwards. “But we toughed it out and got the stops we needed.”
Eastern Hancock controlled most of the game, holding a steady lead that reached eight points at the end of the third quarter. Leading the charge for the Royals in those first three quarters were seniors Addison True and Duncan Cherry.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
True notched a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Cherry had 14 points and 3 rebounds.
“Duncan had a great game for us,” Spaulding said. “His shots were going in and he was using that as a way to find open teammates on a few plays, so he really helped us out tonight.”
Triton Central started the fourth quarter on an 11-2 run and tied the game at 60-all with four minutes left in regulation. At that point, the Tigers began to stall, but the Royals were ready.
“Late in the game when you’re tied or ahead by one point, you’ve got to get a stop no matter how long they hold it,” Spaulding said. “I think they thought we would over commit, but our guys did great at staying disciplined and getting those stops.”
Although Eastern Hancock was only able to score one point in the final eight minutes of the game, their defense did the trick, as Triton Central scored none.
AJ Muegge scored what would be the decisive point with 2 minutes remaining in overtime, as the Tigers attempted to hold the ball in the bonus period.
The win improves the Royals record on the season to 14-4, and they travel to take on a formidable foe Friday when they face Class A No. 4 Morristown at 7:30 p.m.
