With the temperature dropping to single digits outside both teams got off to a slow start in this key Central League match up. Stoga was able to hold a 14-11 lead after one thanks to 2 Shane Scott three’s and some hard earned points in the paint.
Haverford was able to dictate the pace of play and were willing to take time off the clock in the 2nd frame to ensure they got the look they wanted. But Stoga helped offset a couple of deep threes by the Ford’s with a Milton Robinson buzzer beating 3 to take a narrow 21-20 lead into the half.
The 3rd quarter moved along at a slow and sloppy pace but Stoga fought hard on the offensive boards to keep the game tight. The final quarter found Stoga down by 5 points with under 2 minutes left. But some key defensive stops led by Evan Medley and a couple of tough baskets by Milt to go with a deep three by Zach Lezanic had the Pioneers up by 2 with less than 20 seconds to go. Haverford was able to tie the game with a couple of foul shots on a questionable block call and Stoga had one last chance to win it regulation. A great out of bounds play led to a corner three from Shane that just missed and the teams were headed to overtime.
Stoga came out fast and pushed the pace in OT with Zach taking the lead. Some key baskets and outstanding foul shooting (15-16 FT) on his part dominated the extra period. Stoga consistently held a 5 point lead and was able to make enough free throws down the stretch to come away with the win 62-55!
Next up is Senior Night at home this Friday against Ridley!