BUFORD — The Buford boys avenged a 2018 playoff loss to Miller Grove with a 64-48 win Friday in the Class 5A playoffs at The Buford Arena.
The Wolves (25-2) used a big fourth quarter behind Eric Coleman to pull away for the victory against the Wolverines, who knocked them out of the 2018 playoffs on the way to a state runner-up finish.
Coleman poured in 13 of his game-high 22 points as Buford outscored Miller Grove 27-18 over the final eight minutes. He hit 11 of 14 free throws in the final period.
The free throw line was the key for both teams Friday. Buford hit a blistering 25-of-30 free throws for the game while Miller Grove was just 5-of-5 at the line.
Buford led just 1-11 after the first quarter and took a slim 23-21 lead into halftime. The Wolves pushed he lead to 37-30 heading into the fourth quarter.
Donell Nixon scored 18 points, including knocking down four 3-pointers. Marcus Watson had 10 points for the Wolves.
Zyair Greene had 16 points to lead Miller Grove (9-19). Tyreik Boyd added 13 points for the Wolverines.
Buford next will play the winner of the Villa Rica-Jackson-Atlanta matchup in the second round at home.
BUFORD GIRLS 72,
CHAMBLEE 26
The Lady Wolves opened the game with a 28-6 run and never looked back in advancing to the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs.
Ebony Grant led 14 Buford players in scoring with 12 points. Tate Wlaters added 11 and Sara Viti 9 for the Lady Wolves.
Buford held Chamblee to 7-points or less in all four quarters while building a 44-13 halftime lead and then taking a 60-20 advantage into the fourth quarter.
The Lady Wolves will play Carrollton in the second round next week at home.
