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By Casey Roberts

Contributing Writer

 

The Lincoln County Patriots secured a dramatic 64-62 double-overtime victory over 12th Region rival Pulaski County Monday night, thanks to a game-winning layup from Sawyer Robbins as time expired in the second overtime.

The Patriots (record not provided) struggled early, falling behind 5-0 midway through the first quarter before Owen Willoughby ended the drought with a three-pointer. Pulaski responded with a three of its own, but Robbins’ first basket of the night helped keep Lincoln within striking distance. Despite a late jumper from Lane Sergent, Pulaski maintained an 11-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Cash Baird connected on his first shot, a three-pointer, as both teams found their offensive rhythm. Pulaski extended its lead to 24-19 midway through the period before Baird cut to the rim for another basket, trimming the deficit to three. However, Pulaski carried a 28-21 advantage into halftime.

The Patriots came out of the break determined to claw their way back, opening the third quarter with a 12-2 run, capped off by a Baird layup that gave Lincoln its first lead of the game. Pulaski regained the lead at 34-33, but Tucker Foster drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer to swing the momentum back to Lincoln heading into the final quarter with a 36-34 edge.

Lincoln held a slim 43-42 advantage with four minutes to play before Baird added another basket to push the lead to three. The Patriots extended their advantage to 51-42 with just two minutes remaining, but Pulaski refused to go away, capitalizing on Lincoln’s turnovers and missed free throws to force overtime.

Braden Fugate put Lincoln ahead 54-52 to start the first overtime, but Pulaski responded to tie the game again. Robbins hit a layup with 14 seconds left, but a Pulaski free throw sent the game to a second overtime.

In the final extra period, Willoughby’s basket gave Lincoln an early 60-58 lead, only for Pulaski to tie it again. With 10 seconds left and the game deadlocked at 62-62, head coach Jeff Jackson drew up a decisive play, leading to Robbins’ buzzer-beating layup to seal the victory.

Lincoln County will wrap up its regular season on Friday, Feb. 21, when it hosts Lexington Catholic.