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Thanks to a game-winning layup by junior guard Xavier Birkett, the Rootstown Rovers closed out 2020 with a 56-54 double-overtime victory over visiting Field Wednesday evening.
The Field Falcons got off to a hot start in the first quarter, taking a 16-10 lead. This was in part due to contributions by Bryson Silveus, Jordan McComb, and Xander Rorrer, among others.
In the second quarter, after a McComb layup, the Falcons were up 26-13 with 4:24 left in the second quarter. Rootstown would respond with a 13-5 run to cut their deficit to 31-26 going into the half.
In the second half, Rootstown would take the lead, thanks to a triad of long-range connections from Tommy Weese, Adam Beery, and Jake Collins. But Field would fight back and take the lead, thanks to buckets by Silveus and Gartner, and led 43-38 after the third.
The Falcons would pad their lead to 47-41 with 5:55 remaining in regulation, thanks to a pair of Xander Rorrer field goals. But the Rovers rallied back, and thanks in part to buckets by Adam Beery and Xavier Birkett (who also had a block on defense), they would knot the game at 47.
In overtime, Adam Beery gave the Rovers the lead with another driving layup, but the Falcons took advantage of some missed free throws down the stretch, and thanks to a coast-to-coast layup by Jacob Gartner, the game went to a second overtime.
The second overtime was a back-and-forth affair.
Xavier Birkett knocked down a pair of free throws. Bryson Silveus followed up with a three. Josh Plona would counter with a three of his own to tie the score. After a pair of free throws by Jacob Cultrona to knot the score, the stage was set for Xavier Birkett.
And Birkett would deliver what turned out to be the game-winning layup with :7.6 remaining. Field’s last shot attempt was no good, and Rootstown held on for the win.
Senior forward Josh Plona had 14 points to lead the Rovers. Ohio University baseball commit Adam Beery had nine, and both Birkett brothers (Xavier and Donovan) had seven to aid the winning effort.
In a losing effort, Field senior forward Bryson Silveus had 14 points. Senior guard Jacob Gartner and junior forward Xavier Rorrer each chipped in 10.
“It was exciting because I’m a Rootstown alumni. I’m happy to be back here and see a lot of familiar faces.” said Field head coach Derek Widuck. “If I was gonna be in a tight game with someone, I’m glad it was with them. (Rootstown) made enough shots to come away with the victory.”
Rootstown improves to 3-1 overall. They travel to Ravenna Saturday evening in a non-conference affair.
Field drops to 2-6 overall. They travel to Norton next Tuesday night to continue Metro Conference play.
