Indians rally to defeat Lawson State in overtime thriller
Lee Adams/LetsGoICC.com
BIRMINGHAM, AL – A late rally led by Lakee Westbrook (Shannon) and Austin Timms (Mooreville) propelled the Indians to an 82-80 overtime win over Lawson State on Saturday.
The Indians (5-6, 1-1) led by double digits in the first half but were only 1-point, 29-28, better at the break. In the second half, the Indians lost the lead and trailed by as much as 14-points, but Westbrook and Timms rally pulled them within 3-points in the closing minutes.
With under a minute to play Westbrook capped off the rally by nailing a contested 3-pointer from the corner with .3 left on the clock to pull the Indians within 1-point. Westbrook was fouled on the shot and he added the free throw to complete the 4-point play, sending the game into overtime tied at 71-71.
Lawson State jumped out to an early lead in overtime, but a Dee Gates (Baldwyn) regained the lead for the Indians on a layup with 33.8 remaining, and Kevis Fleming (Robinsonville) preserved it with a steal and free throw to pick up the 82-80 win. The thrilling overtime win ended the Indians three game skid and the first half of the season.
Westbrook led the Indians with 20-points, followed by Gates and Timms who added 13-points each. Howard Thomas (Brandon) and Fleming each chipped in 11-points.
The Indians are on a break for the holidays but will return to action when they travel to Jones January 6. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
For more information on ICC men's basketball, follow the Indians on Twitter (@LetsGoICC).