NOAH Stuns Panthers Again

SILOAM SPRINGS LOSES LATE LEAD, FALLS TO OKLAHOMA TEAM

— Tulsa NOAH found a way to win in Siloam Springs’ arena for the second straight year, and this time the Jaguars didn’t need the help of national recruit Allonzo Trier.

NOAH (Northeastern Oklahoma Association of Homeschools) outscored the Panthers 15-7 in the final period in a 53-50 victory that included a questionable call right in the final seconds.

Siloam Springs (3-5) led 50-47 when NOAH tied the game with 22 seconds left on a 3-pointer from James Bickers. The Panthers then turned the ball over and NOAH had a 2-on-1 fastbreak with only Avery Benson defending for Siloam Springs. Bickers dribbled the ball down the left side and dished to Brandon Askew, who scored with 2.8 seconds left for a 52-50 lead.

In the midst of the bucket, Bickers crashed into Benson and the Panthers’ freshman was called for a blocking foul. Bickers hit 1 of 2 free throws for a 53-50 lead.

Dylan Gray’s 3-point heave from half court missed and the Jaguars (8-6) walked out of Panther Activity Center with another win.

Last year NOAH rallied from 10 points down entering the fourth to win 66-65, and the game had a highlight dunk from Trier on ESPN. Trier, one of the top recruits for the Class of 2015, has since moved to Montrose Christian School in Maryland.

“We knew (Siloam Springs) remembered us from last year, especially because of the ESPN,” said NOAH coach Chris Wallace. “We knew they were going to after us and wanted to get a win.”

Regarding the controversial finish, Wallace himself was trying to figure it out in the game’s aftermath.

“I guess he said the foul occurred after the shot hit the backboard,” Wallace said. “I guess you wouldn’t know unless you have replay.”

Siloam Springs controlled most of the game, leading 43-38 going into the fourth. NOAH took a lead in the fourth, but the Panthers quickly got it back 50-47 after two free throws from Dylan Gray, a basket from Reece Goddard and one free throw from Benson.

The Panthers did make a crucial mistake leaving Bickers wide open for the game-tying 3-pointer, Siloam Springs coach Tim Stewart said. The Panthers have now lost four in a row, including close losses on back-to-back nights.

“The call hurt but the bad part is we let their two best players get really good looks, and we turned the ball over,” Stewart said. “That hurts. It’s the second game in a row where we need our guys to step up and finish stronger. We just weren’t able to do that tonight. It’s a painful loss.”

Gray led the Panthers with 26 points while Goddard had 13. Askew led NOAH with 26 points, including six 3-pointers, while Bickers had 17.

GIRLS

SILOAM SPRINGS 52,

TULSA NOAH 15

Siloam Springs rolled to a big win against NOAH in the girls game.

The Lady Panthers (8-1) held the Lady Jaguars without a field goal in the first half and led 34-4 at halftime.

Morgan Miller, Mayse Pippin and Mirna Torres each had eight points for the Lady Panthers. Allie Johnson led NOAH (3-4) with seven points.

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