BUFORD — Class AAAAA No. 1 Buford showed its grit Friday night battling back from an early deficit and overcoming a tough shooting night from the free throw line to hold off No. 3 Cedar Shoals 75-70 in overtime in a battle for first place in Region 8-AAAAA.
The win for the Wolves (14-2, 6-0 Region 8-AAAAA) gives them season sweep after the Jaguars (15-3, 5-2) and essentially a three-game in the region standings with six games left.The win snapped an 11-game win streak for the Jaguars since losing to Buford last month.
Cedar Shoals led 13-11 after the first quarter but Buford outscored the Jaguars 18-6 in the second quarter to take a 29-19 leadin into halftime. Cedar Shoals would shoot itself behind Phlandrous Fleming, who had 17 of his 24 points after halftime, and pu8ll within 43-39.
The Jaguars kept up the attack in the fourth quarter behind Fleming to tie the game at 65 at the end of regulation. Buford outscored the Jaguars 10-4 in the extra period to pull out the win.
Both teams had chances to win it in regulation but both missed key free throws down the stretch.
Buford was just 18-of-30 from the free throw line while Cedar Shoals was 17-of-25 from the line for the game.
However, Buford drained 11 3-pointers for the game, including five from David Viti, who had a team-high 23 points for the Wolves. Alex Jones and Marcus Watson each added 12 points and Dawson Wehunt had 11 points for Buford.
Arthur Jones added 15 points and Quenjarvis Hall ghad 11 for the Jaguars.
BUFORD GIRLS 71
CEDAR SHOALS 19
After yielding 10 points in the first quarter, the No. 1-ranked Lady Wolves allowed nine total points over the final three quarters in taking the Region 8-AAAAA win at home.
Buford (14-0, 6-0 Region 8-AAAAA) led 22-10 after the opening period but outscored held Cedar Shoals (8-11, 2-5) 18-2 in the second quarter to blow the game open. The Lady Wolves led 56-16 heading into the fourth quarter.
Rachel Dobbs led four players in double figures with 21 points for Buford. Tory Ozment added 14 and Jessica Nelson and Audrey Weiner had 11 points each for the Lady Wolves.
Laurie Thomas had seven points to lead Cedar Shoals.
Buford will take on Harrison on Saturday at 6 p.m. at home.
