Kilgore Runs Away From Athens in Second Half For Bi-District Victory
KILGORE -- Basketball is often described as a game of spurts, and the adage held true Tuesday night.
Kilgore used a pair of big runs in the third quarter to help the Bulldogs pull away for a 67-51 win over Athens in a Class 3A Region II bi-district boys playoff at UT Tyler's Herrington Patriot Center.
The Bulldogs (15-14) will face District 13-3A champion and 24th-ranked Paris in the area round of the playoffs later in the week. Athens concluded its season at 19-16.
Sophomore Nick Orange led Kilgore with 17 points to go with five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Trey Conrod added 12 points, 11 boards and five assists, while Hector Peralez contributed 12 points and five rebounds.
After Athens began the second half on a 7-0 run to take a 28-26 lead, Kilgore went on the first of two 10-0 runs in the third quarter to take control.
Orange began the charge with consecutive baskets to put Kilgore ahead for good, and Conrod's layup ended the run with the Bulldogs leading 36-28 with 2:38 remaining in the third.
Xavier Gaona, who finished with nine points and five rebounds, knocked down a pair of field goals and Orange had three buckets in the second 10-0 run of the quarter, which put Kilgore up 49-33.
Athens cut the lead to 59-49 with 2:58 remaining, but Kilgore scored the game's next eight points to put the game away.
Anthony Sanders led Athens with 21 points, while Ryan Jefferson added 11 points and four steals.
---
Class 3A Region II Boys Bi-District Playoff
At UT Tyler's Herrington Patriot Center
Kilgore 67, Athens 51
Kilgore 11 15 23 18 -- 67
Athens 15 6 12 18 -- 51
KILGORE--Nick Orange, 17; Trey Conrod, 12; Hector Peralez, 12; Xavier Gaona, 9; Kevrin Justice, 9; Alvin Davis, 5; Larry Delmas, 2; Jeffrey Sanders, 1.
ATHENS--Anthony Sanders, 21; Ryan Jefferson, 11; Courtland Lyons, 7; Javonte Johnson, 6; Jessie Durham, 2; Travon Fuller, 2; Tim Tanner, 2.
RECORDS--Kilgore 15-14; Athens 19-16.
More From East Texas Sports Network
