Dillon’s #20 drives and passes. (Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD.)
The Dillon Wildcats fell 58-55 to the South Robeson Mustangs on Thursday, December 18, in the second round of the Robeson County Shootout.
Dillon took a 17-9 lead over the Mustangs in the first quarter and went 18-14 in the second for a 35-23 lead at the half. South Robeson picked up the pressure in the third, holding Dillon to 14 points while adding 12 to leave them trailing 49-35 headed into the fourth quarter.
With 2:26 left in the game, South Robeson had narrowed the lead to 55-52. The Wildcats had a series of missed free throws, and with a minute and a half on the clock, South Robeson sank a two-pointer to close the gap to one point. Dillon took control of the ball but turned it over with 43.8 seconds on the clock, and South Robeson struck again to take the lead. Dillon went up to the free throw line again but missed both. But with 16 seconds on the clock, South Robeson hit two free throws to take the 58-55 lead. The Wildcats took control of the ball again with 2 seconds on the clock, but the last shot missed, allowing the Mustangs to advance to play for third place in the tournament.
The Wildcats were led by JaQuan Knowlin with a game-high 21 points. Rakeem Fletcher and Lawrence Crouch each added eight; Darius Beteha, 4; McCollum, 4; Joe Manning, 4; Avery McCall, 3; Gerome McLeod, 2; and Que Bethea, 1.
Davonte Banks also scored a game-high 21 points for the Mustangs. Christian Hunt added 12 points; Worley, 9; Leach, 7; McCallum, 4; Blue, 3; and Strickland, 2.
Dillon slipped to 3-4 as they were eliminated from the tournament.
The Wildcats will next play on Monday, December 29, in the Farm Bureau Insurance Tournament in Chesterfield. Dillon will resume regular season action at home against Latta on Tuesday, January 6, 2015.
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click the images below to view at full size!
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