Sports
Alexander Falls to Jackson in Overtime
By: Anthony Marino
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The Alexander Spartans lost a heartbreaker in overtime Tuesday night against the Ironmen of Jackson, losing 57-48.
Alexander did not come out strong, trying to force the ball down low to its go-to-man Chace Harris. Jackson ran a strong 2-3 defense down low, not allowing any easy shots and forcing Alexander to rely on the three-ball. The Spartans found themselves in the corner of the three-point line trapped between two Ironmen defenders causing turnovers.
By the second quarter the Spartans found themselves on offense and went on a 10-0 run with 6:15 remaining in the half. Alexander went into the locker room trailing 23-19.
Coming out in the second half Alexander put up nine points while they changed their game plan by putting more pressure on the ball, forcing more turnovers and going to the line three times in the third. The Spartans ended the third with two easy layups and back-to-back three-pointers making it 30-28 Jackson.
Entering the fourth quarter, Alexander changed its defensive scheme to a 3-2 defense which caused Jackson to force bad passes which led to turnovers.
With 1:57 remaining in fourth quarter the Spartans cut the lead to one point making it 41-40. Things got physical in the paint when there was a tough no-call on Harris when he drove to the rim with 15 seconds remaining in the game. Alexander head Coach Jim Kearns was not happy about the call and a technical foul sent Jackson to the line. On the next in bound play Jackson was not able to get the ball into play and Alexander regained possession.
Alexander drove the court where Michael Norris missed his three point try but Stone Markins-Iwrin was there to grab the rebound and kicked it out to Luke Kish who drilled a three to send the game into overtime, 44-44.
It was all the Ironman in overtime, forcing fouls and making their free throws. Alexander was forcing bad shots and found themselves fouling to stop the high pace play of Jackson.
The Ironman came away with the 57-48 win in overtime and broke Alexander’s three-game winning streak.
Harris was the high scorer for the Spartans with 17 points and four rebounds followed by Stone Markins-Irwin with seven. Jackson’s Cooper Donaldson had 19 points and Bryce Hall added 12 points.
Alexander (6-7) looks to get back to its winning ways Friday at home against TVC-foe Vinton County (12-0).