FLOWERY BRANCH - Tarik Smith hit 7-of-8 free throws down the stretch to help Johnson hold off a furious rally by Flowery Branch in a 74-71 win in Region 7-AAA South action.<br>
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Trailing by as many as 20 early in the fourth quarter, Flowery Branch (9-13, 1-6) used a big run to pull within one point late in the game.<br>
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But the Knights, behind Smith, made their free throws to preserve the win.<br>
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Johnson (13-10, 4-3) led throughout taking a 14-10 after the first quarter and opening up 31-22 lead at halftime.<br>
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Despite the loss, it was another momentum builder for the Falcons, who took No. 5 Gainesville down to the wire last week.<br>
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Against Johnson two weeks ago, the Knights set numerous records in a 130-101 whipping of the Falcons. Sam Greavu set a school-record with 50 points in that game. And Tyler Sanders hit 16 3-pointers against Flowery Branch in two wins this season.<br>
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Not this time, however. Greavu only had 21 Tuesday night with Sanders getting just 5, and only one 3-pointer for Johnson. Smith finished with 16 points and Josh Martin had 12.<br>
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Josh Acton led the Falcons with 17 points, including five 3-pointers. Zac Swansey added 12 and Shawn Johnson and Justin Heilman had 10 each for Flowery Branch.
