ATHENS — The Buford boys rallied in the second half for a 61-48 win over host Clarke Central Thursday night in the semifinals of the Region 8-5A tournament.
With the win, the Wolves (21-7) advanced to the finals against Cedar Shoals. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. Friday at Clarke Central High School.
Buford jumped out to a quick 15-7 lead in the first quarter but the Gladiators (16-8) responded with a 21-12 second quarter to grab a 28-27 halftime lead. The Wolves answered that with an 18-13 third quarter to reclaim the lead at 45-41 and then pulled away in the fourth quarter.
WINDER-BARROW BOYS 77,
HABERSHAM CENTRAL 68 OT
The Raiders’ bid for their first playoff appearance since 2003 came undone late as the Bulldoggs rallied from 9-points down in the fourth quarter to win in overtime in the Region 8-6A tournament in Gainesville.
Sixth-seeded Habersham (7-19) led most of the way taking a 17-14 lead after the first quarter and a 31-26 lead at halftime. The Raiders eventually took a 51-42 into the fourth quarter. But they couldn’t hold it.
Winder-Barrow, the No. 3 seed, exploded in the final eight minutes using a 22-13 run to tie the game at 64 at the end of regulation. The Bulldoggs outscored Habersham 13-4 in the overtime period.
DENMARK BOYS 64,
CHESTATEE 24
Denmark was too much for Chestatee in the semifinals of the Region 7-4A tournament Thursday at Flowery Branch High School.
The War Eagles will take on Marist on Saturday in the third-place game.
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