Wyoming Indian pulled out 69-66 double-overtime win over defending champion Pine Bluffs in the 2019 Wyoming State High School Class 2A Boys Basketball Championship at the Casper Events Center on Saturday night.
The Chiefs trailed by as many as 11 points in the third quarter before starting their rally. They trimmed the deficit to eight points going into the final quarter and matched pace with the high-tempo Hornets. The Chiefs gained ground with defensive intensity and aggression, which the Hornets couldn’t consistently endure.
Pine Bluffs continually left the door open with missed free throws and empty possessions, like the one at the end of regulation.
The Hornets held for the final shot with a minute remaining but couldn’t get an open look against the stifling defense. A desperation heave sailed short of the backboard and the Chiefs carried momentum in the the first overtime.
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Wyoming Indian had their golden opportunity at winning in the first overtime slip away when holding for the last shot. The Hornets’ defense responded with their own resolve and didn’t allow a shot to get off. The Chiefs crowd rose to their feet, lending their support going into a second addition 4-minute period.
The Chiefs attacked the paint in double-overtime and gained a three-point advantage before emerging on-top of the free-throw game late. Pine Bluffs had an opportunity to tie with 2.6 seconds remaining but a heave from senior Michael Shain hit the rim and bounced away.