By JOSE NEGRON
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Top-seeded BeeGraphix withstood a late rally by No. 4 Howard Hanna Wilson Baum to capture a 76-72 victory in a Mon Valley Independent Summer Basketball League semifinal matchup Tuesday night at Marx’s Court Time Sports Center.
The defending champions earned the right to defend their title against No. 2 Elite Physical Therapy 8 p.m. Thursday.
“When we get our squad together, we believe in the collective group we have,” BeeGraphix head coach Tim Tyree said. “We have our guys going at the right time and I’m just happy we’re able to come out here, have fun and also play with purpose.”
BeeGraphix (8-3) held a 69-59 lead with under three minutes remaining in the contest before Howard Hanna (5-6) began its comeback thanks to Zion Moore.
The incoming Ringgold freshman hit three 3-pointers during a 9-2 run over the span of a minute to cut Howard Hanna’s deficit to 71-68 with 1:31 on the clock.
After Jayden Pratt hit a layup to extend BeeGraphix’s lead to five, Jayden Davis converted on a bucket inside and Keondre DeShields added a putback following an offensive board to make it a one-point game at 73-72.
Trailing with 19.4 seconds to go, Howard Hanna elected to foul, sending Rodney Gallagher III to the charity stripe. The Laurel Highlands standout made the first shot, but missed the second before Quinton Martin came through with a clutch offensive rebound, prompting a timeout by Tyree.
On the ensuing inbounds play, Gallagher was once again fouled and given two shots at the line. This time, he converted on both opportunities, giving BeeGraphix a two-possession lead that it wouldn’t relinquish.
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