Athens celebrates senior night with win over rival Alexander Spartans
By: Zachary Knight
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THE PLAINS, Ohio (WOUB) — As the end of the season approaches, the Athens Bulldogs geared up for their final home game against their rival Alexander Spartans, who they defeated in a 64-56 victory.
It was also senior night for the Bulldogs, who honored Cordell Johnson, Leo Martin, Brady Kellar and Easton Nuzum, who all started for the Bulldogs in this game.
The rivalry brought the fans to McAfee Gymnasium, and their energy translated onto the court. Both teams started quickly and went back and forth in the first quarter.
Eventually, Athens picked up the pace and jumped ahead of the Spartans in a crucial run. They claimed the lead in the first quarter and ended things on top for the quarter.
Rolling to the second, nothing changed for the Bulldogs or the Spartans. Athens clung to their lead, helped by players like senior Easton Nuzum and Weston Wheatley, who both went into the locker room with 8 points.
Athens held the lead at half with a 35-23 score, but no lead is safe in this TVC-Ohio rivalry.
The third quarter saw Alexander become more aggressive, and fight their way back in. Led by Isaac Waller with 14 points and Mason Morris with 13, the Spartans may have been down, but they weren’t out.
On the Bulldogs side, they focused on second chance points, fighting their way to the line and picking up rebounds to keep their momentum alive.
Heading into the fourth, energy remained high as Athens held a 5-point lead with a score of 46-41. Alexander had kept things tight so far, but Athens was able to hold on to their lead. Leo Martin helped control the Bulldog offense, ending the night with 13 points, and Zach Mullins led the Bulldogs with 18 crucial points and 7 rebounds.
Ultimately, the Bulldogs hung on to their lead and ended this year’s rivalry on top 64-56, sweeping the Spartans series.
Alexander will have another chance at redemption against River Valley at home on Saturday, and the Bulldogs will challenge the Meigs Marauders on the road in a rescheduled matchup that will end their regular season.