Clutch freethrow shooting in the final seconds by Braden Pitsch and a pair of offense rebounds late in the fourth quarter pushed the Kenai Kardinals past the Kotzebue Huskies 44-42 in the first boys’ bracket game of the 2020 ACS Denali Auto Glass/Pepsi Invitational Basketball Tournament.
Kenai 44 – Kotzebue 42 Game Summary
The Kenai boys fell behind 9-2 early on strong three-point shooting by the Kotzebue Huskies, however, Kenai closed to 14-10 at the end of the first quarter.
Both teams struggled to score in the second quarter and the half ended with Kotzebue leading 20-14. The Huskies netted six, three-point baskets for the half.
Kenai rallied to tie the game 2:30 into the third quarter at 22-22 and lead 34-28 with an Andrew Bezdecny basket to end the third quarter. Kenai held a 39-35 lead with under three minutes to play in regulation.
Kenai lead 41-37 with one minute remaining on an Evan Stockton field goal. Kenai’s Braden Pitsch made three of four freethrows in the final :10 seconds for a 42-39 Kenai lead. The Huskies hit a threepoint basket with :2 seconds remaining and time expired with Kenai leading 44-42. Evan Stockton scored 12 points for Kenai.
Kenai advances to the winner’s-bracket, semi-final on Friday against the winner of the Homer vs Barrow contest. Game time scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Follow the Kardinals throughout the tournament on ESPN 1140AM and streamed live at www.radiokenai.com
