The #1 PCA Paladins pulled off a memorable comeback to defeat the #4 Meridian Flyers 70-68 in the MSAHA Playoffs.
The Meridian Flyers started off the game on a mission. They took the lead early and kept extending it. Behind Eliot Tulip’s 14 first half points and excellent play from Nate Sherman and Isaiah Davis, the Flyers led 36-25 at halftime.
The Flyers continued to extend their lead in the third quarter, with Flyers big man Isaiah Davis dominating inside. Going in to the fourth period, Meridian held a 54-35 lead that seemed secure. But early in the fourth, Nate Sherman, who had been struggling with foul trouble, picked up his fifth foul which ended the night for him. With this loss, the Flyers began to struggle with lack of ball handling. At this point, Meridian led by 19 and the Paladins began full-court pressing. The Paladins quickly cut the lead to 14 before senior guard Dylan Archie picked up his fifth foul, ending his night. With this loss, the brakes fell off for Meridian. They led by 18 with four minutes to go but the lead evaporated quickly behind outside shots from Daniel Cooper and Drew Boggs and magnificent play from Colyn Ericksen, the game was tied at 68 with 10 seconds to go.
The Paladins had the ball and they got it to Ericksen, who hit a 10-foot floater to take the two point lead, their first lead since 5-4 in the first quarter. The Flyers tried to score but they couldn’t get a shot off and the #1 seeded PCA Paladins advanced to the MSAHA semi-finals.
The #4 Meridian Flyers will face the #6 Muddy River Counselors at 7:45 PM on Thursday in an elimination game.
The #1 PCA Paladins will take on the #3 Laurel Knighthawks at 11:15 AM on Friday with a chance to reach the MSAHA Finals for the first time in three years.
Both games will be live on TSJW Network: https://tsjwnetwork.net/playoffs/
