GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OHIO – Warren Harding and Garfield Heights were about as evenly matched as two teams could be.
It took a pair of buzzer beating three pointers and a double overtime defensive stand for the Raiders to sneak out of Garfield Heights with a 63-61 victory.
It was a cold start to the game for both teams. They shot a combined 8-for-30 from the field in the opening quarter. Harding held a 13-10 advantage after one quarter, falling behind 20-19 at halftime.
The second half would be much of the same, as both teams exchanged hot and cold streaks until the end of regulation.
Mayhem would ensue to end regulation. With Garfield Heights leading 46-43, Harding attempted two corner threes, both of which missed. After the second miss, there was a scramble for the loose ball, which Harding’s Chris Williams was able to corral.
Despite his three pointer attempt being blocked, he caught it and connected on his second effort to send the game into overtime.
UNBELIEVABLE! We’re heading to overtime after one of the craziest endings to regulation you’ll ever see! @GHbulldogsAD @NEO_Spotlight pic.twitter.com/kBosY45Orn
— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) December 14, 2019
Munch Owens, who finished with 15 points after a scoreless first half, came up big for Harding in overtime. Owens connected on the second buzzer beating three pointer of the game, sending this already wild game into double overtime.
Another buzzer beater for Harding, and we’re heading to DOUBLE OVERTIME! Munch Owens with the game tying triple 🎥⬇️ pic.twitter.com/1EDAhyYpit
— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) December 14, 2019
Harding began to run away with the game in double overtime, starting on a 7-0 run to take a 62-55 advantage. However, the Raiders struggled to beat the press, as the Bulldogs cut the lead down to 63-61.
With a few seconds left, Sonny Johnson drove to the basket, attempting to send the game into a third overtime, but he was stripped by the hero of the game Chris Williams.
FINAL/2OT 🚨
(#24, 3-0) Warren Harding – 63
(#25, 3-2) Garfield Heights – 61Harding prevails in a wild road game to remain unbeaten on the early season!@NEO_Spotlight @NEOSportsInside @GHbulldogsAD @wgh_athletics pic.twitter.com/uAnTYiZiA4
— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) December 14, 2019
It was a balanced game for Garfield Heights, as they had several guys make key plays and score crucial buckets. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the effort would just fall short, as big shots by Williams and Owens would keep Harding alive just long enough to score the road victory.
Despite the thrilling ending, Friday night’s contest wasn’t the cleanest of games. Harding would finish the game 19-for-59 (32.2%), while Garfield Heights finished 20-for-65 (30.8%). Additionally, there were a combined 53 turnovers in the game, with 71 attempted free throws.
Warren Harding (3-0) will have to rest quickly, as they host St. Edward (3-0) Saturday night. Garfield Heights (3-2) will have a week to regroup, as they aren’t in action until December 20th when they visit Warrensville Heights (2-1).
Harding (3-0) 10 9 16 11 9 8 63
Garfield Hts (3-2) 13 7 13 13 9 6 61
Individual Scoring
Harding
Williams: 18 Pts
Owens: 15 Pts
Ivory: 14 Pts
Bates: 10 Pts
Foster: 3 Pts
Pennington: 3 Pts
Garfield Heights
Bouldin: 14 Pts
Cottingham: 10 Pts
Johnson: 9 Pts
Tatum: 9 Pts
Laster: 7 Pts
G. Davis: 6 Pts
Jackson: 3 Pts
R. Davis: 2 Pts
Borden: 1 Pt
High School
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