By Don DiFrancesco
Lakewood St. Edward used a 9-0 run in overtime to pull out a 69-65 victory over Garfield Heights in the regional final held Saturday night at Cleveland State University. The Eagles advance to next week’s final four in Columbus.
Unlike the semifinal games on Wednesday, there were no stalling tactics or exotic defenses used; just straight-up basketball by two fine teams.
St. Edward had a 14-8 lead after a quarter, and pushed it out to 37-26 at the half behind balanced scoring from all eight players employed. Garfield Heights was still within shouting distance thanks to 13 first-half points from senior guard Marreon Jackson.
The Bulldogs came on strong in the fourth quarter. After consecutive three-point baskets from Julian Whiteside, Shawn Christian, and Whiteside again, they were within one point at 56-55 with 2:16 remaining on the scoreboard.
From that point on, a series of trips to the free throw line by both teams concluded with Garfield Heights sophomore Brison Waller coolly sinking a pair to tie the game with 0:28.8 to play. To overtime it went, all knotted at 58.
Right off the jump ball in O/T, the Bulldogs’ Christian knocked down a three and Garfield Heights had a brief lead. That’s when St. Edward put together their 9-point run. After two free throws by the Eagles’ Tommy Schmock with 1:46 remaining in overtime, St. Edward led 67-61 and were able to cruise to victory.
Schmock finished with a team-high 17 points, while Jackson scored a game-high 27 for the Bulldogs.
Garfield Heights finishes its season with 22 wins and five losses.
With the victory, St. Edward head coach Eric Flannery earns his 400th win and the Eagles are on the way to their tenth final four appearance during his tenure.
St. Edward (23-5) advances to face Massillon Jackson (26-2) in the Division I State Semifinal on Friday, March 24. Tip-off is set for 8:30 pm from the Schottenstein Center.
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