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Springfield edges Girard in overtime
By Lowell Spencer
New Middletown
The Springfield Tigers had to literally scratch and claw their way to an eighth victory Saturday night, earning a dramatic 60-55 overtime decision over visiting Girard.
The non-conference contest gave both teams a barometer of tournament style action.
“We needed that; we have some big games coming up the rest of the season. Looking ahead a little bit to the tournament, and this is a tournament-type team we are going to see in the district if we advance past that,” Springfield coach Eric Fender said.
The Tigers looked like they were going to run away with the game early as they jumped out to a 6-0 lead and extended the advantage to 10 points just before the half. But Indians sophomore guard Evan Standohar sank a 3-pointer at the buzzer to cut the Springfield lead to 24-17 at the break.
“For what we thought was a really bad first half, the way we played, we were still in it. We said look at the score, and they really bought into it,” Indians coach Nolan Cubellis said.
The second half was a different story as Girard battled back to take their first lead of the game. At the 7:20 mark of the fourth period, freshman guard Craig Randall buried a 3-point shot to give the Indians a 36-35 lead.
From there the teams exchanged the lead several times, with neither getting more than a four-point advantage. Both teams missed shots in the final minute of regulation.
They started overtime tied at 49.
Just like the beginning of the game, the Tigers jumped out to an early lead in the extra session on baskets by Joe Ohlin, Tom Mastran and Nick Russell.
Russell led the Tigers in scoring with 16 points. Springfield’s Ron Rodgers connected on four consecutive free throws in the final minute to seal the game.
“I got in foul trouble early in that first half, in the second half my team really helped me out. They got me some good looks and I was able to make some layups,” Russell said. “I was pretty upset with myself in that first half getting those fouls.”
Fender said the competiton was a test for his team.
“They are a good team, they play in the All-American [Conference], and they go up against good competition every night. We knew we had to bring it tonight in order to compete and get a win,” Fender added.
Michael Bornemiss led the Indians with 16 points.
“That’s all we could ask for, to be in the game going into the fourth when you’re down at half like that. I’m really proud of the guys for not hanging their heads and just mailing it in,” Cubellis said.