Reece Davidson’s free throws with 4.6 seconds left and subsequent steal lifted the North Laurel Jaguars to a 54-53 win over the Breathitt County Bobcats on Thursday in the Sweet 16 Tournament at Rupp Arena in Lexington.
The two teams exchanged baskets early as the score was tied, 12-12, after the first period. North Laurel (23-10) was able to outscore Breathitt County (24-9), 18-12, in the second period to take a 30-24 advantage into the locker room at the half.
The Bobcats fired back in the third period and outscored the Jaguars, 18-10, to capture a 42-40 lead heading into the last quarter.
There, Breathitt County took North Laurel to the wire, but Davidson hit two free throws and stole an inbound pass to seal the win.
Austin Sperry led the Bobcats with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Braxton Terry scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Joseph Honeycutt scored 6 points. Payton Collins had 5 points. Aaron Stallard dropped in 4 points. Canaan Gross finished with 2 points.
Davidson paced North Laurel with 36 points and 9 rebounds. Cooper Elza followed with 9 points. Jordan Rawlings scored 4 points. Kole Jervis had 3 points. RJ Noble chipped in with 2 points.
North Laurel advances to the semifinal round and will face Montgomery County on Friday at 6 pm.
