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PENNSBURY 70, WILLIAM TENNENT 69 (2 OT)
The Falcons took what appeared to be a commanding 32-21 advantage into halftime, but that lead turned out to be anything but secure as the Panthers rallied to send the game into overtime. It took two overtime periods before the Falcons eked out the win.
“We were up 11 at the half but just couldn’t finish it,” Pennsbury coach Bill Coleman said. “Tennent played very well in the second half.
“We’ve been up and down all year. I can’t figure out why. I mentioned to the guys before the game – ‘It’s all about consistency from here on out, consistency with our execution, consistency with our effort, consistency for 32 minutes and trying to minimize those peaks and valleys that we’ve seen not only over the course of the year but over the course of the game.’”
Shane Simmons led three Falcons in double figures with 22 points, which included five 3-pointers. Collin Connor added 18 points with four 3-pointers. Kyrie Miller also had 18 points to go along with three steals and three assists. Evan McNeely and Evan Reichard both had seven rebounds to lead the Falcons under the backboards. Reichard also had three assists and a blocked shot.
For the Panthers, Derrik Cosenza led the way with 21 points. He also had a game-high eight rebounds. Josiah Johnson added 14 points, which included a 6-for-9 effort at the free throw line. Sean Haus had three 3-pointers and 11 points, and Michael Scheller had nine points, including a pair of 3s. Jay Stanfield chipped in with seven points.
The Falcons connected on 17-of-33 at the charity stripe while the Panthers converted 18-of-25.
“Really, the story of the game came down to us on the free throw line – we shot 50 percent while they shot 70,” Coleman said. “They played their 1-3-1 pretty much the entire second half. We took a few bad shots here and there, but we just didn’t convert on the free throw line.”
Each team scored just two points in the first overtime period, and the Falcons edged the Panthers 10-9 in the second.
“In the second overtime, we won the tap, they fouled us, and we made 1-of-2 free throws,” Coleman said. “We didn’t stop (Derrik) Cosenza, and he laid it in. We came down, and Shane Simmons hit a big three to put us up two. We were able to hold on. We made 1-of-4 free throws at the end.”
The Panthers missed a shot as time expired, and the Falcons notched the much-needed win.
“I’m happy for the guys – we were able to pull it out,” Coleman said. “We know we’re in playoff mode from here on out in order for us to qualify for districts.
“As I told the guys on Saturday, we have to go 1-0 five times. We went 1-0 today and we move on, have a good practice tomorrow, have a good practice Thursday and get ready for (Council Rock) South on Friday.”
Pennsbury (8-10, 5-4 SOL) will travel to Council Rock South Friday, and William Tennent (11-7, 5-4) will travel to Upper Moreland for a non-league game Thursday.
Game Summary brought to you by
Pennsbury 13-19-12-14-2-10 70 William Tennent 15-6-13-24-2-9 69
Pennsbury (70) – Shane Simmons 7 3-4 22; Kyrie Miller 6 6-11 18; Collin Connor 4 6-10 18; Amir Johnson 1 0-0 2; Cooper Arnold 2 0-0 5; Evan McNeely 1 0-0 3; Evan Reichard 0 2-8 2; Totals 21 17-33 70.
William Tennent (69) – Jay Stanfield 2 2-2 7; Daulton Zeaman 1 2-2 5; Josiah Johnson 4 6-9 14; Sean Haus 4 0-0 11; Michael Scheller 2 5-8 9; Derrik Cosenza 8 5-8 21; Bryce Lockett 1 0-0 2; Totals 22 18-25 69.
3-point goals: Pennsbury – Shane Simmons 5, Collin Connor 4, Cooper Arnold, Evan McNeely, WT – Sean Haus 3, Michael Scheller 2, Jay Stanfield, Daulton Zeaman.