Beavercreek Outshoots Xenia in Overtime 63-60

[SFIND]

By Bryant Billing

DAYTON- This was one of those games that could have gone on forever. But something had to give. In the end it was the Beavercreek Beavers (11-10), who held the lead for the majority of the game, who came out on top. Beavercreek survived a late rally by the Xenia Buccaneers (6-15) and came out on top 63-60 in overtime.

It was tight from the start.

The was back-and-forth from the beginning, with Xenia keeping the slight advantage. Morgan Mitchalski hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Xenia a 16-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Beavercreek took the lead in the second off of a strong showing by Anthony Valerio. Valerio hit three three-pointer in that quarter (he hit a total of five). Beavercreek went out in front 20-18 with three minutes left. They would not relinquish that lead until the fourth quarter. Beavercreek had a 30-25 lead at the end of the second.

Beavercreek kept their lead in the fourth, despite Xenia's best efforts. Xenia never let the game get out of their hands, though.

Then the fun started.

Back-to-back baskets by Eric Salter gave Xenia a 51-50 lead with 2:37 left in the fourth quarter. Kyle Eakins saved the day for Beavercreek and tied it up later on a 53 all. That was the score at the end of regulation, so we went to overtime.

The game continued to go back-and-forth, by Kyle Eakins saved the day again for the Beavers. A three-point play by Eakins gave Beavercreek a 61-58 lead with one minute left. That turned out to be the winning basket, as Beavercreek went away the 63-60 winners.

You couldn't ask for a better tournament game. Beavercreek was hurt by the fact they lost their usual starting point guard in Alex Marolo, who was out due to an illness. Valerio (19 points) stepped up in his place to fill the scoring gap. Valerio hit five three-pointers total. He was on fire from the outside, and was able to hit some a good foot back from the line. But when the Beavers needed a clutch performance, they received one. Kyle Eakins (15 points) stepped up in the Beavers time of trouble and delivered.

Xenia was the team that was actually playing better at the end of the game. Beavercreek was worn out, and it showed. In such a close game, you can't downplay the role of the free-throw. Xenia kept themselves in the game by making free-throws. They made 19 to Beavercreek's 13.

Beavercreek now moves on to play Fairborn. The game is on Monday, February 18, at 5:30 at the University of Dayton Arena.

Individual Scoring: Beavercreek- Tommy Krammer 9; Kyle Eakins 15; Alex Aurthur 12; Brad Sundstorm 9; Anthony Valerio 19. Xenia- Bruce Hawkins 13; Greg King 5; Eric Salter 16; David Dudgeon 18; Daniel Rogers 6; Morgan Mitchalski 3.