High School Basketball: Lorain High Titans Outlast Brunswick High Bluedevils in Triple OT

By Marcu Atkinson

Follow me on twitter: @marcusatkinson

Last night in front of a packed gym, the Lorain High Titans took on the Brunswick High Blue Devils in what may turn out to be the most exciting game of this year’s Ohio High School Athletic Association tournament.

Lorain defeated Brunswick in triple overtime 59-56 in a game where the absence of a shot clock was glaringly obvious.  In a pregame interview, Brunswick head coach, Joe Macke said a low scoring game where the end score is in the 40s favors the Blue Devils.

At halftime the score was tied at 22.

Both teams showed their strengths and weaknesses from the start. Lorain missed free throws and shot 25 percent from the field in the 1^st half.  On the other hand they forced turnovers and went on scoring streaks every few minutes.

At times, it seemed Brunswick would never miss a three-point shot, their offensive discipline was apparent.  Yet their inability to hold onto the ball gave away easy points and their lack of athleticism made rebounding hard. 

1^st Quarter

Brunswick outscored Lorain after one quarter, as they made their shots and Lorain did not.  During one trip down the court, Lorain missed a three, gained an offensive rebound, missed a second three, gained another offensive rebound, and proceeded to miss a third three

To put it simply Lorain struggled to make a basket as they trailed after one. 

2^nd Quarter

The beginning of the 2^nd quarter was much like the 1^st as the Titans shot just 25 percent from the field at the midpoint of the quarter.  Brunswick began to push the ball early in the quarter, scoring easy points close to the basket, however Lorain was able to stay in the game through turnovers, keeping the score within a good distance, giving up only 7 2^nd quarter points to Brunswick.

“We got caught playing their game”, said Lorain coach John Rositano said in a postgame interview. “But there’s a belief we will find a way”

With key turnovers and timely shooting, Lorain ended the 2^nd quarter on a 9-0 run to head into halftime with the game tied at 22

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At the half, Brunswick had 13 rebounds and was 4 of 9 in three point shots.

Lorain was 1 for 4 in free throws in the 1^st half (61 percent for the season), with 14 rebounds and they forced 7 turnovers. 

The 3^rd and 4^th quarter played out much the same as the first two, with Brunswick shooting well from the three point line and Lorain keeping it close with key forced turnovers.  Brunswick began the 3^rd and 4^th quarters breaking away but Lorain ended strong, including the 4^th quarter when they scored the last 8 points in thrilling fashion to force the first of what would be 3 overtimes.

“There’s always a concern”, Rositano said.  “But never panic, the kids are winners.”

Winners indeed, especially Devon Andrews who seemingly took the team on his shoulders and willed them through possessions, got key rebounds, and stepped up and made free throws when it became crucial.  He ended up with 26 of Lorain’s 59 points, the next highest scoring Lorain Titan had 8 points.

“He knows when it’s time to play,” Rositano said, speaking of Andrews.

The first overtime, each team had little scoring, Lorain held the ball for over 30 seconds to take the last shot, but missed a three point shot to go into double overtime.

In double overtime, it appeared Lorain was headed to victory, up four when Andrews got the defensive rebounded, passed the ball to Rashaad Berry, who then gave a two-handed dunk.  However, down 6 and near the end, Brunswick showed resilience and heart scoring 6 unanswered points to tie the game and go into triple overtime.

Now in triple overtime, Andrews for the first time made both his free throws.  Brunswick missed a layup on the ensuing possession then immediately fouled Berry who shoots only 49 percent from the free throw line on the season. Berry missed the first, made the second.

Lorain was now up three and with no shot clock and the ball, Lorain played ball control and came away with the victory

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Rashaad Berry finished with 8 points, 2 blocks, and key momentum shifting dunks and rebounds.

Now 24-0 Lorain, the number 1 ranked team in their bracket, ranked 2 in the state will play either Strongsville or St. Ignatius Saturday night at Midview High School (Grafton, Ohio).