Bronchos Advance in the Area Tournament on a Jackson Clark Game Winner
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Launch the media gallery 1 playerShawnee, OK - The Bethany Bronchos (4A-#18) were back in the OSSAA Area Tournament again this year and last night they were able to upend the Anadarko Warriors (4A) in a classic finish. Bethany and Anadarko have had some excellent contests in the playoffs over the past few years and this one ranked right up there as one of the most exciting. The game was a defensive battle, which was to be expected from these two teams that have both been two of the best defensive teams in the state this year. The Bronchos took an early lead in the game, going up 5-2 to end the first quarter, but Anadarko came to life in the 2nd quarter. The Warriors hit four three points in that quarter and built a lead of 20-13 heading into halftime.
The Bronchos roared back out of halftime though on the defensive end, allowing only three points in the 3rd quarter and taking a 26-23 lead into the 4th. In the final quarter both teams continued excellent defensive performances and with about two minutes left Anadarko finally broke the streak and hit a three pointer to take a 27-26 lead. On the ensuing possession though, the Bronchos grabbed an offensive rebound and got the ball to Jackson Clark, who hit the eventual game winning basket from the top of the lane to put the Bronchos on top 28-27. Anadarko had over a minute to retake the lead and the Bronchos defense was stifling. The Warriors didn't even get a quality shot off in that minute as a last second heave towards the basket fell well short.
The Bronchos advance in the loser's bracket to the 3:00 PM game on Friday against Cache (4A), still at Shawnee High School. The Bronchos beat Cache 48-28 earlier in the season, but Cache has upset both Elgin (4A-#14) and Fort Gibson (4A) the last two games. The Bronchos fell to Elgin twice this year by a combined six points and also fell to Fort Gibson in the district round game by six points. The winner of Bethany vs. Cache will take on the loser of Heritage Hall (4A-#2) and Mount St. Mary (4A-#5) at 8:00 PM Saturday in the Area Consolation Finals at Shawnee. The winner of the consolation final will advance to the state tournament.