The #3 Laurel Knighthawks handed the #2 Jackson Victors their first loss in the MSAHA Playoffs since 2014 as they prevailed in overtime 62-59.
The Knighthawks started off the game on top, leading by four and six points the whole first half. Their largest lead was up to twelve points. Great play from Kai Welch and Jack Flynt propelled the Knighthawks to these leads. At halftime, the Knighthawks led 34-26.
In the second half, the Victors evened it out. By six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the game was tied 46-46. The fourth quarter was a slugfest, with each team answering the other with the game staying tied.
With one minute remaining and the game still tied, Jackson tried to hold for a last shot. Gideon Peacock held on to the ball before driving in and being called for a travel with 10 seconds to go. Laurel called a timeout to draw up a final play. They got the ball in to Kai Welch. But he lost it, fell on the ground, and traveled. Four seconds were still remaining on the clock, and Jackson was able to get a play themselves. They got it to Gideon Peacock, who drove in but was blocked from behind by Jacob Moree. That was the end of regulation, 56-56.
In overtime, it was a defensive battle with no team scoring for a while. Jack Flynt, who had to exit the game in the fourth with a cut over his eye, which he came back and had 15 points, split a pair of free throws. Then Kai Welch was able to score on a post up to give the Knighthawks a 59-56 lead. Laurel was able to get the stop on that possession and hit free throws to close out the game with a 62-59 win.
Jack Flynt led the Knighthawks through injury with 15 points. Gideon Peacock led the Victors with 23 points.
The defending 7 consecutive champion #2 Jackson Victors will face the #5 Hattiesburg Forerunners at 6:30 PM on Thursday evening in an elimination game unfamiliar to the Jackson Victors.
The #3 Laurel Knighthawks advance to face the #1 PCA Paladins at 11:15 AM on Friday morning with a chance to reach the MSAHA Finals with a win.
All games will be live on TSJW Network: https://tsjwnetwork.net/playoffs/
