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Twinsburg, Ohio – The Twinsburg Tigers, behind huge contributions from Reggie Bussey and Anthony McCarthy, held off East Tech, 66-62, on Saturday afternoon.
The first quarter started off with not much scoring between either team, as both teams played air-tight defense.
But East Tech finished the first up 15-9, behind an aggressive defense that forced several turnovers. The Scarabs took advantage of those with baskets behind the efforts of senior guard Devonte Greene. He had five first quarter points, and Maurice Banks hit a triple to end the quarter.
The Scarabs would pad their lead to double digits behind the aggressive defense that worked in the first quarter. Donnie Byrd and Maliek Bennett each knocked down a triple.
However, Twinsburg would fight back to close the half. Senior guard Reggie Bussey worked the inside, drawing fouls and scoring baskets. He had ten of his game-high 19 in the quarter, to cut the Tiger deficit to 29-28 at the end of the half.
The third quarter was as evenly matched as could be. Five different Scarabs scored in the quarter, including Jordan Huff, who took a hard fall after taking a charge.
Although the Tigers kept pace early in the quarter, East Tech pulled away, thanks to a pair of steals. Freshman Jai Abercrombie turned them into transition layups, and the Scarabs led 48-40.
However, five quick points would cut the East Tech lead to 48-45 at the end of the third.
It took a while for senior forward Anthony McCarthy to get going. But when he did, he made a huge impact for the Tigers’ comeback.
After a scoreless first half, McCarthy hit his first basket with 5:50 left in the third quarter. But he came up big down the stretch in the fourth.
His driving layup with 1:27 left gave the Tigers the lead, 59-57, as they increased pressure on defense, forcing several East Tech turnovers.
The Tigers made the most of their opportunities at the line, sinking key free throws to hold off East Tech at the end of the game.
Twinsburg senior guard and Oakland University baseball commit Reggie Bussey had 19 to lead all scorers.
Other Tigers in double figures include Anthony McCarthy with 14 points, all in the second half. Junior David Coniglio had 13, and senior Adam Williams had ten.
East Tech was led by senior Devonte Greene’s 12 points, junior guard Malik Bennett’s 11, and Donnie Byrd’s nine (all on triples).
Twinsburg (15-4) hosts Solon Tuesday night, and travels to Wadsworth to close the regular season.
East Tech (9-8) travels to Garrett Morgan on Tuesday night.
Check out extended highlights below:
