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Blue Tide Make Elite-8 with 77-72 Win Over Wildcats
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LUDOWICI -- The Long County boys basketball team had to make up a 13-point deficit late in the game to beat the Laney High School Wildcats Tuesday night.
At the half, the Blue Tide was down by only a point, 35-36. But with three minutes in the game the Wildcats had a 13-point lead, and it looked as though the home team's season was over.
But with two big three-point shots by Justin Boyd and big defensive plays by Prince Moody, Lazarus Baggs, Jimmy Bacon and Robert Gamble during the final minute, the Tide continued their push toward a state championship, by beating the visitors 77-72.
In the packed house at the Long County High School gym, the spectators were about as drained at the players after the come-from-behind win.
In the game, Bacon had one of the best -- if not the best games of his high school career -- as he put up 32 points, and added 15 rebounds, 5 blocked shots, 4 assists and 3 steals.
Boyd and Gamble also had stellar nights, as the sophomore had 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals, and the senior had 11 points and 11 rebounds.
"It would have been easy (for the team) to just fold the tent up and let Laney leave with a victory after they had us by 13 late in the game," head coach Deshon Brock said.
"I was happy to see us not crack under pressure, fight back and win the ballgame. We never gave up and I'm happy with the team's effort."
This was the second come from behind win in a row during the playoffs for the Long County team.  Brock said the schedule through the regular season has made the difference this year, compared to last.
"This year we were tested early with our tough, non-conference schedule, so we have been there and have tough-game experience; also the guys know their roles and are playing well in them."
With the win, the Blue Tide move into the Elite-8 round of the state tournament, and will play there toughest opponent of the year tonight when they take on East Laurens High School.
The Falcons come into the game as the number-4 ranked team in the state, posting a 28-1 record this season.  The Dublin team won the 4-AA Region title, and they are coming off an impressive sweet-16 win over the Josey High School Eagles, who were ranked number five in the state.
The Blue Tide is ranked number seven. The rankings are by the GACA Coaches Poll.
The game Friday is in Savannah, at the Savannah State University; tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

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