MARIETTA - While not known for its ability to come from behind, the Gainesville boys basketball team staged one of its best come-from-behind wins ever Friday night in the second round of the Class AAA playoffs.
The Red Elephants rallied from 17-points down in the third quarter to pull out an improbable 68-63 win over M.L. King at the Marietta High gym.
"A tremendous effort. I can't remember too many that big. The guys showed a lot of heart and character to stay focused and get back in the game," Gainesville coach Jerry Davis said. "Now, if we can just take that with us (Saturday) because we're definitely going to need it."
The task won't get any easier for Gainesville (26-4) which next must face No. 3 Dunwoody Saturday at 8:30 p.m. for a shot at the Final Four. The Wildcats demolished Hart County 91-58 Friday in the second round.
Midway through the third quarter the Lions, who finished at 20-6, took a 55-38 lead after opening the quarter with a 9-2 run. But Gainesville got back in the game going on a 9-2 run to finish the quarter to climb within 57-47 heading into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Tavious Pittman got things going scoring nine points in an 11-4 run to get Gainesville within 61-60. Then, Joe Kennedy and got going.
Kennedy scored five straight points to give the Elephants their first lead since the first quarter, 65-63, capped by a long 3-pointer with 1:32 left in the game. Kennedy finished with just the five points, put added seven rebounds and six assists.
"Both of those guys really stepped up when we needed them. I couldn't be more proud of a group than I am of these guys right now," Davis said.
Chaz Smith also gave a defensive spark drawing a critical charge on the Lions following Kennedy's 3-pointer on a basket that would have tied the game.
Pittman, who finished with 16 points and nine rebounds, hit 3-of-6 free throws in the final 40 seconds to help seal the win.
Smith finished with 15 points and Jamarko Warren added 13 for the Red Elephants.
Monday
May 20th, 2024
3:11PM
