The #2 Jackson Victors defeated the #5 Hattiesburg Forerunners 50-45 on Thursday night to eliminate the Forerunners and keep their playoff run alive.
The game began as a slug fest. Neither team could get going and the Forerunners held a 9-7 lead after the first quarter. The second quarter was all in the Victors’ direction. Jackson took a 22-14 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, things were even with the teams trading buckets and defensive stops, with Jackson maintaining a nine point lead heading in to the final quarter.
In the last quarter, Hattiesburg made a run. Behind Joseph Burkell’s 7 points to begin the quarter, Hattiesburg cut the lead to two. But the Victors answered, with Nash Spicer getting it going in the midrange to extend the lead back. The Forerunners made a final push in the last minute when they cut the lead to three, 48-45. With Gideon Peacock missing three front ends of one-and-ones, Hattiesburg had many chances. But an attempt at a tying three point shot by Bradley Kelly was blocked by Ethan Hendry, who was then fouled.
Ethan Hendry sank both of his free throws and the Victors secured the 50-45 win.
The Hattiesburg Forerunners have been eliminated, ending their season.
The #2 Jackson Victors look to keep their season alive when they face the #4 Meridian Flyers Friday afternoon at 1:45 PM.
Games will be streamed live on TSJW Network: https://tsjwnetwork.net/playoffs/
