BeeGraphix outlasts Howard Hanna in OT

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

For the second time this summer, BeeGraphix celebrated an overtime win over Wilson Baum Howard Hanna in Mon Valley Independent Summer Basketball League boys play. 

Tim Tyree’s squad needed just two points in the extra frame to capture a 71-70 triumph Tuesday night at Marx’s Court Time Sports Center in Elizabeth Township. 

One of three teams deadlocked atop the division standings entering the game, BeeGraphix (7-2) now sits tied with Farmers Insurance for first place. Howard Hanna (6-3) was also tied for first, but now slips down to third. 

“I thought coach (Matt) Loftis was trying to return the favor a little bit there from the first matchup,” said Tyree, whose team previously claimed an 80-76 OT win over Howard Hanna on July 16. “Hats off to his team for doing a good job of finishing out the game until it hits 0:00.”

The two teams went into OT tied at 69-69 before they combined for just three points. 

Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher hit a jumper in the opening minute for BeeGraphix’s lone points, while Howard Hanna was limited to just one free throw from Keondre DeShields. 

BeeGraphix went 0 for 6 from the charity stripe in overtime, but they maintained possession for a majority of the frame and picked up a late steal to seal the victory. 

“I think it is in those types of situations where these kids are going to benefit when they go back to their high school teams because you get situational basketball,” Tyree said. “I thought our guards did a good job of taking care of the basketball late and just running the clock down. Obviously you want to capitalize and make free throws late, but we did a good job not turning the ball over and being strong with the ball.” 

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