Nacogdoches Outlasts Corsicana to Clinch Final Playoff Berth From 16-4A

TYLER -- Few expected much from Nacogdoches after the Dragons lost four of their first five district games, while Corsicana appeared primed for a postseason push after beginning 3-2.

But on Friday night, Nacogdoches completed its late-season turnaround with a 62-57 win over Corsicana at UT Tyler's Herrington Patriot Center that decided the final playoff spot from District 16-4A.

Mason Proctor was the only player for the Dragons (15-14) to reach double figures, but his 26 points were good enough to spur Nacogdoches to the victory.

Dzifa Mallet led Corsicana (21-12) with 26 points and six rebounds. Mike Lewis added 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

The game was close throughout. Neither team led by more than four points until Jeron Garrett gave Nacogdoches a 50-44 lead with a pair of free throws with 3:01 remaining in the fourth. Proctor followed moments later with a jumper to push the Dragons' lead to eight.

Mallet's layup cut the lead to 56-52 with 46 seconds to go, but a crucial technical foul call on Corsicana's head coach after a personal foul helped seal the deal for Nacogdoches.

Proctor sank all four free throws, and Garrett made both of his on the ensuing possession, pushing Nacogdoches' lead to 10.

Nacogdoches will face District 15-4A champion and fourth-ranked Arlington Seguin next week in a Class 4A Region II bi-district playoff.

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East Texas Playoff Preview
At UT Tyler's Herrington Patriot Center

District 16-4A Boys Playoff
Nacogdoches 62, Corsicana 57

Corsicana                12   17   10   18   --   57
Nacogdoches          10   19   12   21   --   62
CORSICANA--Dzifa Mallet, 26; Mike Lewis, 11; Jamaal Evans, 6; Ernest McGhee, 6; Lathan Carter, 3; Tim Lang, 3; Ralph Watts, 2.
NACOGDOCHES--Mason Proctor, 26; Patrick Sanders, 9; Kwa' Jones, 8; LJ Barnes, 6; Jeron Garrett, 5; Christian Stokes, 3; Kyle Winfield, 3; D'ante Riggins, 2.
RECORDS--Corsicana 21-12; Nacogdoches 15-14.