BRISTOL — In consolation play in the Southwest District tournament at the Bearcat Den on Saturday, Lebanon came from behind for a 76-68 victory over Marion. It was needed after a tough loss in the semifinals to Graham on Friday.
“We had some chances late against Graham,” Lebanon coach Scotty Boyd said. “We felt like we were in a good position to win, we just didn’t get it done. It was really disappointing. I don’t think we actually bounced back from it until we got down today and realized we had another game to play.”
It certainly appeared it would be another loss when Marion scored the first 14 points of the contest. The Pioneers didn’t put points on the scoreboard until Mike Reece scored on a baseline drive with 4:03 to play in the first period.
Brody Wess had a layup for Lebanon just before the buzzer ending the first, to pull within 20-10 at the end of the first.
Reece pulled up for a jumper to start the second quarter for Lebanon. The Pioneers used full-court pressure to disrupt Marion’s offense and steadily battled back.
When Andy Lambert made a layup, the Pioneers pulled within one. On the next possession, Lambert passed to Hunter Musick in the paint for a basket to give Lebanon a 23-22 advantage with 5:18 to play in the first half. They would never trail again.
“We got down early today,” said Lambert. “We knew what was at stake. Coach Boyd called a timeout and rallied the troops; we got it done after that, and everything ended up okay.”
The Pioneers extended the lead to ten on a couple of foul shots by Lambert. Jack Ford hit a 3-pointer for the Scarlet Hurricane, and Cade Burchett hit 1-of-2 free throws to cut the Lebanon lead to 38-32 at halftime.
The Pioneers were up 60-45 going to the fourth period. However, there was no quit in the Scarlet Hurricane as they started the fourth on a 16-5 surge to pull within 65-61 with just under three minutes to play.
Lambert hit a couple of clutch baskets for the Pioneers, and they hit enough foul shots to put it away. Marion struggled down the stretch, making one of their final eight shots.
“Our kids battled hard, there has been a lot of adversity the last few weeks,” said assistant coach Jamie Hall, who is filling in for head coach Adam Burchett, who is suspended. “We played well at times, but at times, we reverted to what we did last night (in a loss to Virginia High). Everything starts defensively with us; if we give up over 70 points in a game, we don’t have much of a chance to beat teams.”
Ford (22 points), Burchett (18), and Parker Wolfe (14) supplied most of the offense for Marion (15-11).
Lambert had a game-high 26 points and five steals for Lebanon (16-9). Reece totaled 19 points and 12 rebounds. Brody Wess (12 points) and Hunter Musick (11) were also in double figures.
“I’m confident with these guys,” Lambert said. “We have a great ball handler with Brody, and we can always throw it to Mike, and he’ll take care of it.”
With the win, the Pioneers begin the Region 2D playoffs at Mountain 7 runner-up Union on Tuesday, while Marion travels to M7 champion Gate City. Lebanon has played the Bears twice, winning in overtime and losing by one.
“We’ve had two wars with Union,” Boyd said. “Both games have been tight. We match up well with them, we know each other well. I expect it to be another war. Hopefully, we can come out on top.”
MARION 20 12 13 23 — 68: Osborne 2 0-0 4, Roberts 1 0-0 2, Wolfe 6 2-4 14, Ford 10 1-3 22, Burchett 7 3-6 18, Whitt 1 0-0 2, Hall 2 2-2 6, Sayers 0 0-0 0. Totals 29 8-15 68.
LEBANON 10 28 22 16 — 76: Musick 4 2-4 11, Wess 5 2-2 12, Reece 8 3-3 19, Lambert 9 7-9 26, C. Boyd 0 2-2 2, Hilton 2 0-0 6, Baker 0 0-0 0, M. Boyd 0 0-0 0. Totals 28 16-20 76.
3-point goals: Marion 2 (Ford 1, Burchett 1). Lebanon 4 (Hilton 2, Musick 1, Lambert 1). Fouls: Marion 20, Lebanon 18. Fouled out: Wolfe. Technicals: Osborne.