Ronnie Boyce sank a three point bucket from the left wing with 1.2 seconds left to give the Lebanon Leprechauns a 108-107 victory over previously unbeaten and league leading Owensboro. WIth the win the Leprechauns move into a tie with the Thoroughbreds at 3-1.
Behind a hot start from Jerome Seagears, Josh Thompson, Boyce and a hot beginning from Marcus “Big Fudge” Fuggins the Leprechauns built a 21 point first half lead at 36-15.
Owensboro showed why they were the league leaders as they slowly chipped away at the lead, closing the Leprechaun lead to nine at halftime 61-52. In the third quarter, Owensboro used balanced scoring to a 34 point outburst and closed the third quarter in an 86-86 tie.
The fourth quarter was fast and furious. The two teams traded leads on three occasions with the Thoroughbreds building a 93-89 lead. The Leprechauns struck back quickly and took the lead on free throws by Jamel McAllister at 101-100. McAllister then added a layup to push the lead to three. Owensboro’s Patrick Savoy was fouled hitting a three point bucket and after sinking the free throw the Leprechauns trailed 104-103. After Dahrius Nunn hit a bucket and on the next possession hit one of two free throws the Leprechauns trailed by four with 36 seconds left.
It appeared the Leprechauns hopes had been dashed when McAllister missed two free throws but Chandler Rowe outworked two Thoroughbreds to snare an offensive rebound. Seagears then ducked inside with the ball and his layup cut it two at 107-105, which set the stage for Boyce’s heroics. Following a timeout, Boyce stole the ball and raced down the court and after a pass fake he drained the game winner.
Boyce finished with a game high 29 points, Seagears added 20 points, Thompson had a stat stuffer night with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. McAllister added 10 points and Rowe led the team with 10 rebounds. The Leprechauns are back home again on Thursday night against the All Americans who are the only team to beat the Leprechauns. They play a wrap around series against the All Americans with games on Thursday and Saturday night.