NORCROSS — Sophomore Sara Viti converted a stickback basket with 2.1 seconds left to lift Class 5A No. 2 Buford to a thrilling 54-52 win over Class A Private No. 1-ranked Wesleyan Saturday afternoon on the road.
It was a remarkable victory for the Lady Wolves (20-2) who were playing less than 18 hours after a road trip to Athens and without two starters because of sickness. Wesleyan (22-2) is the defending Class A Private state champion and was perfect at home until Saturday (10-1). It also was the second loss in four games for Wesleyan after opening the season 18-0.
"It was a great win versus a quality team with many adverse conditions," Buford coach Gene Durden said. "These type games get you prepared for the tournaments."
Buford led nearly the entire way jumping out to a 17-5 first quarter lead. The Lady Wolves took a 31-25 advantage into the intermission after Wesleyan used a 20-14 second quarter to get back in the game. They led just 46-43 heading into the fourth quarter as Wesleyan continued to chip away at the lead.
Wesleyan eventually caught Buford, tying the game with less than a minute left. Buford, however, ran down the final 45 seconds with Viti providing the game-winner after a missed shot.
Viti led Buford with 14 points. Senior Ebony Grant added 10 points and junior Tate Walters and freshman Tatum Ozment each had 8 points for the Lady Wolves.
Buford next will travel to Loganville on Tuesday for a critical Region 8-5A contest.
