Longview Shuts Down John Tyler in Fourth to win, 46-39

LONGVIEW-- Don Newton couldn't have been more disappointed in his team.

Well, maybe if it had lost.

Longview played to lose in every facet Friday in a district 11-6A matchup with John Tyler. It committed turnovers. It couldn't find a shooting rhythm. Even when it got to the free throw line, it missed.

Somehow, thanks to a stellar effort in the fourth quarter, that didn't translate to a loss. The Lobos defeated the Lions, 46-39, to claim their first win in district play.

"That was a rough deal for about three-and-a-half quarters," Newton said. "We just kind of found a way. We couldn't make free throws. We're lucky that Phil (Washington) kind of got going. I just think we were tired after the Romines. We've come out flat twice. As the coach, I've got to do a better job of getting them ready."

Longview entered the fourth quarter trailing, 35-26. John Tyler players clapped confidently as they headed out on the floor to begin the quarter. It was the last time they would show such bravado.

The Lobos began to implement a full-court press that troubled the Lions. It resulted in a few turnovers, but most importantly, it rattled them. Longview's defense held John Tyler to just one field goal the entire quarter, outscoring the Lions 20-4.

"I think it was Jaylin (Brown) on the front end of it," Newton said. "That guy's a freak. I don't know how he doesn't have major offers. I have nothing but respect for him after coaching him here for less than a month. He brought that and then when Phil made two 3s there, everything kind of got rolling."

Washington first hit a 3 to bring the Lobos within one. With just more than two minutes to play, he nailed his second 3-pointer to give Longview the lead, which it would never relinquish.

Washington also hit two free throws late in the game to but Longview up by five and cement the victory. He finished with 11 points -- all of which came in the fourth quarter -- to lead the Lobos.

DaeCorian Jessie finished with 11 to lead John Tyler, while Javion Williams added six points and nine rebounds. Brown finished one rebound shy of a double-double with 10 points.

Both teams were careless with the ball most of the game, committing a combined 27 turnovers. Longview won the rebounding battle and also shot 28 free throws compared to John Tyler's eight.

Longview will next face Rockwall-Heath on the road at 7 p.m. Tuesday. John Tyler has a matchup with Tyler Lee at 7 p.m. Friday.

Although Newton was not proud of his team's overall performance on Friday, he said he could take pride in the way it finished.

"I'm very pleased with that,"he said. "Our goal has been to try to win every district game at home and split on the road. We think that that is realistic and something that could get us into the playoffs. That's what we're shooting for."