By RENALDO DORSETT
The Junior Boys made it back to back wins for the HO Nash Lions following the Junior Girls yesterday as they extended their GSSSA basketball championship series to force a third and deciding game.
The Lions erased an 11 point fourth quarter deficit for a 50-47 win over the DW Royals in game two.
The Royals dominated for much of the game and appeared well on their way to a two game sweep with a 33-22 lead, but the Lions defence proved to be the difference late in the game creating turnover after turnover, leading to easy baskets.
Lorenzo Stuart led the Lions with a team high 13 points, Tyeko Lowe finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Marco Beckford chipped in with seven.
Rashawn Cambridge led the Royals and all scorers with 16 points, Tyrell Butler added 11 points and 10 rebounds and Dante Hepburn finished with 12 points.
After several failed attempts at the line and on fastbreaks, the Lions finally got over the hump and tied the game at 37 with 1:47 left to play.
It would be the first of several ties and lead changes over the final two minutes in a game that was decided on the final possession.
After the Royals regained the lead, Lowe’s fastbreak gave HO Nash a 40-39 lead at the1:23 mark.
Cambridge would regain the lead for DW Davis again with an acrobatic layup on the ensuing possession.
With just under a minute left to play, Stuart made a pair at the line for 42-41 lead, only to have Hepburn do the same for the Royals just 10 seconds later for a 43-42 lead
After a Beckford rebound and put back, the Lions took a critical three point lead when Stuart came up with a steal at half court and finished a fast break layup.
Butler answered to pull the Royals within one, but Stuart would keep them at bay with another pair at the line and a 48-45 lead with 17 seconds left in play.
Hepburn scored quickly on an inbounds play to trim the deficit to one with 13 seconds left, but the Royals would be unable to get ahead down the stretch.
Stuart split a pair at the line made and after Lowe forced a steal, Stuart was fouled and again sent to the charity stripe.
Butler stole the inbound pass and heaved a desperation three from half court which rimmed out at the buzzer.
Game three is set for today at 4pm at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
