By Tim Mandell
Register Sports Writer
BEREA —
Madison Southern built a seemingly insurmountable lead in the fourth quarter, then watched as West Jessamine made an improbable comeback.
In a game where points were at a premium, the Colts owned the scoreboard late in the contest, erasing a 10-point deficit to beat the Eagles 49-46 Friday.
Southern (6-14) opened the fourth quarter on a 9-0 run — behind two three-pointers from Chris Roberts and one by Marlin Taylor — taking a 44-34 lead with six minutes remaining.
Roberts, who scored 19 of his team-high 20 points in the second half, was unstoppable from downtown and the Eagles’ defense was coming up with all the rebounds and loose balls.
Then, all of sudden, the tide shifted and West Jessamine grabbed the momentum, closing the game on a 15-2 run.
The Colts used a 9-0 run to pull within 44-43 with 1:38 remaining.
Roberts came up with a steal at midcourt and scored an uncontested layup to increase the lead to 46-43.
West Jessamine responded with a three-point play by Daulton Peters, tying the game with 51.2 seconds remaining.
Southern missed a three-pointer and West Jessamine’s Robby Irgang took off with the long rebound, scoring off the fast break for a 48-46 lead with 17.2 seconds left.
Southern had a chance to tie or take the lead, but turned the ball over and was forced to foul.
West Jessamine missed the front end of the one-and-one, giving Southern another chance to score.
Southern missed a three-pointer and had to foul again.
West Jessamine’s Tanner Richards made one-of-two free throws, giving the Colts a 49-46 with two seconds on the clock.
The Eagles had a shot at a desperation three-pointer to tie the game, but it was off the mark.
Southern led 12-8 after one quarter and the game was tied at 20 at halftime.
The Eagles, behind 11 third-quarter points by Roberts, grabbed a 35-34 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Southern senior Tyler Abshear added nine points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Damien Harris had seven points and five rebounds, Brandon McGuire scored four points and Spencer Stone and Taylor each scored three points.
Southern plays tonight at 7:30 at Lincoln County.
