Story Created:
Jan 2, 2009 at 6:01 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Feb 21, 2009 at 6:14 PM EDT
HOLLAND PATENT, N.Y. (WKTV) - The Adirondack girls basketball team took two commanding second-half leads on Friday at Holland Patent but found itself having to hold on for a 45-41 win.
Leading 27-16 at halftime, the Lady Wildcats increased their lead to 31-17 in the third. Holland Patent got close with an 11-2 run spanning into the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 33-28, but Adirondack responded with a 9-2 run to open up a 12-point lead at 42-30.
Then things got interesting.
Holland Patent went on an 11-1 run capped by two Lauren Marleau free throws with 34.5 seconds left to get within two points at 43-41. The Lady Golden Knights then fouled Adirondack, which missed the front end of a 1-and-1 free throw to hold its lead at two.
On its ensuing possession, Holland Patent gave it to Marleau for a corner three-point attempt but it clanged off the rim, and Adirondack was again fouled, stopping the clock with 11.6 seconds left. But the Wildcats missed both free throws, so the lead remained at just two.
Off an inbounds pass near Holland Patent's bench, Fallon Reinold put up a three but it fell short and went out of bounds with 5.8 seconds left. Holland Patent was not able to foul Adirondack on the ensuing inbounds pass until just seven-tenths of a second remained, but the Wildcats finally made both free throws to officially seal the victory.
Tiffany Pope led Adirondack with 15 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks. Marleau led Holland Patent with 16 points.
Adirondack is now 7-2 overall; Holland Patent is 2-7.
