GAINESVILLE — When Gainesville and Clarke Central play, you get free basketball.
The Gainesville boys pulled out another win over Clarke Central in overtime 59-55 to sweep the Gladiators.
The Red Elephants defeated Clarke Central in triple overtime, 83-81, in Athens earlier this season
“This is one of the reasons why you schedule these type of games,” Gainesville coach Chuck Graham said. “It’s a benefit, no matter what the scoreboard says. I think playing in these type of games early in the year prepares you for region play and the playoffs.”
The Gainesville girls knocked off Clark Central 60-42 in the early game.
Gainesville had its will tested in the first half, trailing 29-22 at the end of two quarters, but bounced back in the third, outscoring Clarke Central 19-7 in the third quarter. The huge third period gave the Red Elephants the lead for the first time since early in the first quarter.
Maurice Hector drained three 3-pointers in the third, while Brent Kelly knocked down two from beyond the arc in the same quarter. It fueled Gainesville’s run and allowed them to lead by five heading into the fourth. Hector led all scorers with 20, while Kelly poured in 10 of his own.
Clarke Central battled back and went on a 14-3 run in the fourth, taking the lead back. Rafael Rubel then nailed two clutch free throws to tie the game up at 54-54 with 1:56 left in regulation. Rubel finished the night with 18 points.
Neither team scored the last 1:56 in the fourth, and for nearly three and a half minutes into the overtime. Datavian Buffington broke the drought, sinking the lone field goal of the overtime with 33 seconds left when he hit a right-handed floater driving across the lane to give the Red Elephants the lead.
Rubel and Walt Dixon then hit free throws to secure the victory for Gainesville.
The Red Elephants (3-4) will play again tomorrow against Brookwood in the GDP Classic at Grayson. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
GAINESVILLE GIRLS 60
CLARKE CENTRAL 42
The Lady Red Elephants came out firing Friday night against Clarke Central.
Gainesville jumped out to a 16-0 lead to start the game, and never looked back. The Lady Red Elephants kept their foot on the gas and led by as many as 23.
“We came out firing,” Gainesville Coach Alan Griffin said. “Our kids are tough. They fight every single possession and play as hard as they can. Sometimes shots don’t fall for us. We had to look in the low post more than we have all season. We won a little bit of a different way than we won our previous games.”
The Lady Red Elephants had three scorers in double figures as they beat the Lady Gladiators for the second time this season. Tia Shelton and Tija Blackwell each had 18 points, while Lauren Teasley worked in the post for 13 points.
Gainesville is on a three-game winning streak. The Lady Red Elephants' defensive play has been key in both games against Clarke Central, keeping them in the 40s in both meetings.
Gainesville (6-3) looks to stretch its winning streak to four and keep rolling when they travel to Athens to play Cedar Shoals on Tuesday. Game time is 6 p.m.
