IAC BOYS BASKETBALL: KITHCART'S FREE THROW IN FINAL SECONDS LIFT TIOGA TO 49-48 WIN OVER O-M (2024-12-17)

Valley Sports Report
ODESSA — Sophomore Gavin Kithcart hit the second of two free throws with 2.8 seconds remaining to lift Tioga to a 49-48 win over Odessa-Montour here Tuesday night in IAC South Small School Division boys basketball action.

"Once again, we were in a dogfight from start to finish," said first-year Tioga coach Connor Hutchinson. "Our team defense was great, I would say, from start to finish.

"We forced O-M into tough shots most of the night, some which just happened to fall," he noted.

"Our effort was the deciding factor, as once again it helped make up for some mistakes on offense.

"We certainly have some things to work on moving forward, that said, a win is a win, and it was good to see the guys come out on the winning side of a close game," Hutchinson added.

Junior Dominic Palmer scored four points and sophomore Jackson Bombard knocked down a 3-pointer to help Tioga to a 10-5 lead after the first eight minutes.

Palmer and junior James Miller scored five points apiece, but O-M had an 11-10 advantage in the second quarter to close the gap to 20-16 at the half.

Bombard scored six points in the third quarter, and Landmesser added four points, but O-M outscored Tioga to take a 31-30 lead into the final eight minutes.

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair for the first 5 1/2 minutes until Tioga took a five-point lead on Bombard's fourth 3-pointer of the contest.

Tioga led 48-45, but O-M knocked down its fourth 3-pointer of the the fourth quarter to tie the game at 48-48 with 8 seconds remaining.

The Tigers turned the ball over, but O-M missed its chance to take the lead, and Kithcart rebounded and was fouled — setting up his game-winner.

Bombard led Tioga with 15 points, including four 3-pointers, and six assists, while Palmer had a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds, and Miller had nine points, four rebounds, and three assists.

Landmesser added six points and eight rebounds in the win, and Kithcart chipped in with five points and three boards.

The Tigers were 10 of 24 from the free-throw line in the win, while the Grizzlies made 9 of 19.

Tyler Malanoske led O-M with 19 points, and Aaron Sutton added 16 points.

Tioga, now 2-2, returns to action Friday at Southern Cayuga.

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IN PHOTO: Tioga's Jackson Bombard.

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