PINCKNEYVILLE — A junior saved the day on a night the Pinckneyville Panthers celebrated their seniors. Dre Scott’s buzzer beater in overtime gave the Panthers a 44-42 win over Nashville.
Both teams are 8-1 in River to River-Mississippi play with one game remaining.
This was a back and forth affair all night, with neither team leading by more than five. Buzz Ritzel’s three-pointer with 21 seconds left tied the game in regulation. Hunter Riggins’ potential game winner in the closing seconds was short, sending the game into overtime.
The Panthers grabbed the lead in OT but couldn’t hold it as again Nashville scored late to tie it. This time it was Carson Parker’s leaner with 16 seconds that tied the game at 42. Parker led all scorers with 15 points.
Dawson Yates drove into the lane for a potential game winner, but Ritzel blocked his shot. The ball went right to Scott, who put in the game winner just ahead of the buzzer. It was Pinckneyville’s only field goal in overtime.
Yates led the Panthers with 14. Scott added 12.
Nashville will close Mississippi play at home Friday against Du Quoin, while Pinckneyville will wrap up conference play at Carterville