The Lions’ varsity basketball team overcame a 16-point deficit to defeat the Austin Prep Avengers, 57-56, on Friday, Nov. 21. The Lions won after Dawson Battie was fouled with only three seconds left in the game while the Lions trailed by one. Battie hit both free throws to secure the win for the Lions.
On offense, the Lions struggled to take care of the ball early, as turnovers allowed the Avengers to score on fast-break opportunities. Combined with strong three-point shooting, the Avengers jumped out to an 24-8 lead in the first quarter. However, Lions’ Head Coach Greg Guiler rallied his players as the Lions came out with energy in the second quarter. Defensively, Wes Jackson and AJ Thomas forced the Avengers into contested shots, while the Lions rebounded much better as a team. Pranav Danda and Battie both hit multiple threes as the offense began to click in the second quarter. By halftime, the Lions took a 26-25 lead after outscoring the Avengers by 17 points in the second quarter.
The two teams continued to battle in the second half. After only scoring one point in the second quarter, the Avengers rediscovered their rhythm on offense, exploding for 20 points in the third. For the Lions, power forward Asher Collins scored nine points in the quarter, but the Lions trailed by five going into the fourth. The Lions remained behind for most of the final period, until Battie hit two free throws with four minutes remaining to give the Lions a 51-50 lead. Collins and Battie hit back-to-back shots to extend the Lions’ lead to five points with just two minutes remaining.
However, multiple Lions’ turnovers kept hope alive for the Avengers, who scored six straight points, capped by a fast-break layup to give them a one-point lead with 17 seconds remaining. Danda brought the ball up the court, then passed to Battie, who drove to the left wing and attempted a fadeaway that missed. But the officials called a shooting foul, sending Battie to the line for two free throws with only three seconds left. Battie calmly sank both free throws to put the Lions back in front. After an Avengers’ timeout, Battie stole the inbound pass to seal the victory.
Now 3-0 on the season, the Lions will compete in the Nolan Catholic and Thanksgiving Hoopfest showcases over the Thanksgiving break.
