MILANO — The Granger Lions boys varsity basketball team defeated the Milano Eagles 54-28 in overtime on Wednesday, Jan. 23. Senior guard Isaac Campo led the team with 20 points as he continued an impressive stretch of performances.
The game was tight throughout as both teams traded leads, ultimately needing to be decided in overtime. The Lions started with a slight 10-9 lead, but a 3-pointer from the Eagles made it 12-10 to end the first quarter.
Granger regained the advantage after a layup from junior Caleb Tucker and a jump shot from Campo made it 16-14. Tucker finished the game with 17 points. Junior Kye Welles tied the game at 21-21 before halftime with a 3-pointer.
Both teams traded points in the third quarter as the Lions held on to a razor-thin 34-32 lead going into the fourth quarter. Granger lost the advantage late after the Eagles made three consecutive free throws to go up 41-38. Tucker hit a clutch 3-pointer, tying it at 41-41 with under a minute to go in regulation. The game was tied 42-42 as the clock expired.
The Lions converted on their free throws to take a 48-44 lead, one of their largest of the night. Milano tried to spark a comeback but had to foul late as Granger hit free throws from Campo and Tucker to close out a thrilling victory. The Lions improved to 14-8 overall and 6-1 in district play.
Granger is second in the standings, one game behind Thorndale. The Lions will be back in action against Rosebud-Lott on Friday, Jan. 24, before traveling to McDade on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m.
