CARERVILLE- The Carterville Lady Lions Basketball team hosted the Massac County Patriots last night in a SIRR conference matchup that opened a double header with the Boys Basketball team. The Lions put together a gritty comeback but ultimately fell in double overtime, 56-52.
The game began completely one-sided, as the Patriots jumped out to an early lead, and controlled the tempo throughout the first quarter. Carterville struggled to find a groove early, but began chipping away at the lead toward the end of the half, cutting a ten-point gap to six by the end of the quarter.
After halftime, the Lions came out shooting with Junior Maya Toliver hitting a few short-range shots to move the Lions within four points going into the final quarter. The momentum continued with a transition layup from Junior Adie Sykes to tie the game up.
“It felt awesome. We took over all the momentum, and it really helped us finish the game strong,” said Sykes when asked about how the shot felt in front of a packed home crowd.
As fans poured in for the boys game, Carterville fed off the energy. Junior Kennedy Diel drilled a three to give the Lions the lead with just seconds remaining in the game, but the Patriots answered with a three of their own to push the game into overtime. Regulation ended tied at 41-41, putting four minutes on the clock.
“It felt great forcing the game into OT in front of the crowd, it was one of the biggest we have had all season, so the atmosphere was something we have not seen all year,” commented Sykes.
Both teams were exhausted throughout OT, but that did not stop either of them from wanting to bring the W home. Both hit timely shots, but the other team always seemed to respond. Massac ended up pulling out the win after a steal and bucket on a botched in-bound play for the Lions, moving their lead from two points to four.
Massac County ended up pulling off the double OT win, with a final score of 56-52.
The Carterville girls’ basketball team will play again on Thursday, Febuary 5th at Murphysboro. To keep up with all things Carterville athletics, follow @CHS_Lion_Ath on Instagram and Twitter (X).
