The second game with Bryant and Stratton (#2 seed) was the game that the Trojans wanted. They lost twice surrendering big leads both times, during the regular season. They had a solid plan to stop Region 10 Player of the Year, Jordan Forbes. He spurs the Bobcat offense and the Trojans needed to isolate him. They came out pushing the ball hard up the floor. Kuhns opened with a 3 pt from the corner and they pulled out to a 11-5 lead only to trail 11-12 a few minutes later. That was the only time that the Trojans were behind in the game. Tristen Rodriguez came off the bench to hit five 3 pt shots and bring the team and crowd to life. Kuhns hit another, and Johnny Hughes dominated inside on the boards with 8 pts. in the half. Bowman was strong with his slashing attacks, as well, as the Trojans opened a 22 pt lead. The Bobcats were able to move the margin to 56-38 at the half. The Trojans were 20 minutes from redemption.
The second half looked like the last two games as the Bobcats started chopping away at the lead. It seemed like deja vu all over again as the lead seemed to be slipping away. Forbes was hard to stop the whole game and put up 31 pts, despite the heavy concentrated effort on him. Caver was able to get going for the Bobcats as well with 14 second half pts. Having made seven 3 pt shots in the first half, the Trojans did not even attempt one in the second half. The Bobcats pressured the shooters, which opened the inside for Miller and Hughes for a combined 28 pts inside and at the line for the half. As the game wound down, the Bobcats fouled the Trojans to try and get back in the game. Hughes, Kuhns, and Bowman were solid at the line as the Trojans scored their last 13 pts at the line. It was a balanced attack that took advantage of the opportunities given. Five Trojans scored in double digits, and Hughes was dominate inside with seven blocks and Miller had four. It was a huge sigh of relief as the clock hit zero and Trojans had finally put away the Bobcats!
The next game is Friday, March 9, at 2 p.m. at Sandhills Community College. Sandhills will host the combined D-I and D-II Region Championships, March 9 and 10.
FTCC #7 56 51 107
BSC #2 38 62 100
FTCC Haymer, 2, Adams, 7, Kuhns, 16, Bowman, 19, Rodriguez, 19, Stover, 2, Miller, 21, Hughes, 21
3 Pt Rodriguez, 5, Kuhns, 2
BSC Simpkins, 29, Caver, 16, Forbes, 31, Joyner, 1, Jacobs, 12, Miles, 3, Davis, 8
3 Pt. 9, Caver, 1, Forbes, 5, Jacobs, 2, Miles, 1
