The Second Baptist Eagles were coming off a big district loss to a dominant Westbury Christian team. A crucial win against district rival Houston Christian would be exactly what the Eagles needed to gain some momentum, as playoffs were right around the corner. However, the Mustangs would have liked to keep this from happening.

Both teams came out strong defensively as 46 combined points were scored in the first half. The Eagles took a 25-21 lead heading into halftime.

At the start of the third period the Eagles came out strong and increased their lead. With only a few minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Mustang defense stepped up their intensity forcing the Eagles into a funk. The Stangs would earn a three-point lead heading into the final quarter of play. 36-33.

The Mustang defense carried their intensity into the fourth quarter and would not let Second get back in their rhythm. Houston Christian earned a nine-point lead with less than four minutes remaining in the game.

As it looked like the Mustangs were going to pull away, something put a spark in the Eagle players. They stepped up their defense and caused some turnovers to allow for some easy buckets. Down the stretch it was Ryan Maag and Rufus Smith who hit some key three pointers to help the Eagles even the game at 48.

With just over a minute left, the Stangs did a good job of working the ball around to hold for the final shot. However, the Mustangs may have shot too soon. The Eagle defense forced a Mustang miss and took the rebound with about ten seconds remaining in the game. This would give the Eagles one last chance to keep this game from going into overtime.

Point guard Maag brought the ball down the court and pulled up a mid-ranged jumper but bricked off the back of the rim. Not a problem for the Eagles as center William Barto was there to clean it up. Barto grabbed the rebound and put it back up and in just to beat the buzzer.

Second Baptist takes home the win 50-48.

Maag, Smith, and Barto led the way for the Eagles as all were in double figures and Lyon was the high point scorer for the Mustangs with 10.

*Highlights and interviews on Reel Action coming soon*

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