The Milan Big Reds fell to the St. Mary Catholic Central Falcons 58-57 in double overtime Friday night. Andre Duffin could not draw a foul and missed the game winner to end the game.
The Big Reds played strong defensively all night, switching between a full-court press, a half-court zone and man-to-man, keeping the Falcons off-balance. Milan kept their opponents to only five points in the second quarter to go in at half up 25-23.
“Tory Martinson did a great job on the defensive end. His man laid screens all over the floor tonight and he continually helped out our guards so that they could get through to shooters and ball handlers,” said head coach Josh Tropea.
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On a night where offense was at a premium, the Big Reds shot an impressive seventy-five percent from the free throw line, but only managed to make one three pointer all night. They pounded the ball inside but were often unable to finish the play or draw a foul.
“As we shoot the ball from the perimeter, we go this year. We need to get our four or five threes to make the other team honest, make them extend the defense. We really didn’t make them honor us from the three point line tonight so it was a lot easier for them to put five guys in the lane and make us make contested two pointers,” said Tropea.
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Regulation wound down with the game tied at 42. The first overtime saw Milan jump out to a quick lead, but the first extra period ended tied at 49. Milan had as much as a four-point lead in the second overtime, but a clutch three from the Falcons and missed jumpers for the Big Reds doomed Milan to a one-point loss.
Duffin led Big Reds scoring with 18 points, and CJ Turnage added 12.
The junior varsity team lost earlier in the evening 68-49. Jacob Novak led scoring for Milan with nine points and Stephen Evans had seven.