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| 1/27/2010 12:37:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article |
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LORNE MARCUM for Leader
McNeil coach Darrell Hagemann draws up a plan during a timeout in the team’s 39-37 win over Georgetown. |
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McNeil outlasts Eagles
By MARK SWANSON
Special to the Leader
The McNeil Mavericks have surged to the top of district 16-5A by being anything but pretty. The Mavericks are a team based on rebounding and defense, which doesn't exactly lend itself to highlight-filled games.
That was the case again Tuesday night, and once again it was good enough to get the win. Blair Williams hit two free throws with 7.3 seconds left to lift McNeil to a key 39-37 win over Georgetown and keep his team in first place in the district.
"That's just the kind of team we are," McNeil coach Darrell Hagemann said. "We want to play good defense, stay on the boards and hit free throws and that's what we did tonight. This was definitely a big one and separates us from the rest of the district a little."
McNeil (15-12, 6-2) led for most of the game and held a 35-29 lead with 5:57 left in the game. However, they struggled when Georgetown (16-12, 4-4) began to press and failed to equal the Eagles' intensity. Slowly, Georgetown crept back into the game and finally tied it on a Jaron Vierra free throw with 3:35 left.
Neither side executed particularly well down the stretch, but the Mavericks came up with one more defensive play. After Kyle Martin missed a jumper that would have given McNeil a late lead, Georgetown attempted to run out the final minute of regulation for one last shot. The Eagles called a timeout with 11.9 seconds left, but subsequently turned the ball over on a five-second call.
That flipped the game over and gave McNeil one last shot. Williams dribbled the length of the court and was fouled driving to the basket. He made his free throws for the lead and Georgetown missed two shots in the final three seconds to end the game.
The Mavericks continue 16-5A play Friday at Vista Ridge.
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