DECATUR – The Decatur Eagles boys basketball team used late defensive stops and timely free throws to pull away in the final minute, earning a 63-58 victory over Springtown on Tuesday night in a tightly contested non-district matchup.
The Eagles trailed by three at halftime and faced multiple momentum swings before closing the game at the line in the final seconds.
Springtown opened the night aggressively, hitting early perimeter shots to grab a quick advantage. Senior point guard Jodi Yescas knocked down a three to open the scoring, and junior guard Kane Grubbs added another from the corner as the Porcupines built a 10-6 lead. Decatur answered with a series of long-range shots of its own, including triples from sophomore point guard Gavin Cromer and sophomore shooting guard Liam Souza, to pull even late in the first quarter.
Decatur carried a slim edge after one, 15-12, but Springtown regained control in the second quarter behind transition baskets and trips to the free-throw line. The Porcupines outscored the Eagles 14-8 in the period, capped by a late layup from junior power foward Trystin Young, to take a 26-23 lead into the break.
The third quarter featured rapid scoring runs from both sides. junior point guard Kasey Boner hit multiple three-pointers for Decatur, while Springtown countered with baskets from senior point guard Ayden Lugo and senior shooting guard Louden Strickland. The teams traded the lead several times before a half-court buzzer-beater by Strickland sent Springtown into the fourth quarter trailing just 42-41.
The final period was defined by constant lead changes and defensive pressure. Springtown briefly went ahead midway through the quarter, but Decatur responded with strong interior play and rebounds that led to second-chance points. Sophomore center Nathan Oyler and sophomore point guard Newman Washburn converted key baskets to keep the Eagles in front.
In the final minute, Decatur capitalized at the free-throw line after forcing missed shots and fouls. Washburn and Souza combined to hit crucial free throws, extending the lead to five with under 10 seconds remaining. Springtown’s final three-point attempt fell short, sealing the Eagles’ win.
Box Score
Decatur — 15 8 19 21 — 63
Springtown — 12 14 15 17 — 58
Total Game Stats
Decatur
– Final score: 63
– 3-point field goals made: Multiple
– Free throws made in fourth quarter: Multiple
– Lead changes: Multiple
Springtown
– Final score: 58
– 3-point field goals made: Multiple
– Halftime lead: 26-23
Stats and play-by-play are from a live, in-game estimate