Pentwater and Hesperia played an instant classic game Friday, with the Falcons coming away with the win in double overtime 75-72.
"It was a game where neither team deserved to
lose," Hesperia coach Scott Warsaw said.
"(It was) a night of basketball that felt more like a battle of wills than just a game, as neither team was willing to back down," Pentwater coach Ashley Lubera said.
There was no big comeback in the 40-minute battle, because neither team ever really created separation from the other. Two points was the biggest lead either team had at one of the quarter breaks.
Both team's defenses held up at the end of the first overtime, as each squad had an unsuccessful chance to win the game. Finally, it was the Falcons (1-1) who eked out the win in the second overtime period. Wyatt Roberts hit the game-winning three-pointer for Pentwater, and Jacobo Martin made 2-of-4 free throws to stave off Hesperia.
Brody Austin led the way for Pentwater on the night, totaling 13 points, 10 rebounds and six assists and "providing steady leadership in the game’s biggest moments," Lubera said.
Martin was the game's statistical standout, narrowly missing a triple-double. Martin had 18 points, nine rebounds and 10 steals. Roberts chipped in 17 points and nine boards, and Abram Kieda had 10 points and seven rebounds.
"This was a game defined by toughness, heart, and refusal to quit," Lubera said. "Both
Pentwater and Hesperia showed why they are evenly matched, but on this
night, the Falcons found a way to soar just a little higher."
Malakai Sellers paced the Panthers (1-2) with 20 points, and Nate Ruhstorfer had 15 points and 11 rebounds.
