CONWAY - Payton Willis’ drive and scoop shot with 90 seconds left broke a tie and propelled Fayetteville to a season-opening 43-39 victory over Conway on Tuesday at Bolding Arena.
Conway had a chance to tie it in the final 10 seconds, but James Grubbs missed a shot from in the lane. Blake Young secured the rebound and made two free throws with 8 seconds left to seal the victory.
There were 10 lead changes and three ties in a second half that saw both teams shake off the rust from the off season.
“They were getting to the free-throw line because they were the more aggressive team,” Fayetteville Coach Kyle Adams said. “We talked about that at halftime. Both teams were very competitive, and nobody wants to lose their first one.”
Fayetteville took a 39-35 lead on Kendrick Conley’s three-pointer with 4:37 left to play, but Grubbs answered with a basket in the post. Trent Walder was fouled in transition and made both free throws, pulling the Wampus Cats back into a 41-41 tie.
The Bulldogs then spread the floor and ran more than 90 seconds off the clock, setting up Willis’ drive. The 6-2sophomore took his defender on the dribble, then ducked under the Conway post player and scored with a left-handed scoop shot while avoiding a traveling call.
“He made a great shot down there, a little left-handed flip,” Adams said. “He’s going to be a dandy and someone people look at later on. I was very proud of how he handled everything.”
Javonte Ellis hit a three point play early in the third quarter, giving the Wampus Cats a 21-19 lead, their first since 3-2. Ellis scored nine of his team-high 11 points in the second half.
Fayetteville raced out to a 15-9 lead after one quarter as Conway struggled to find a rhythm on offense, but the Wampus Cats were more aggressive and that paid off as they went to the free throw line repeatedly. Sean Criswell’s high floater banked in at the buzzer to cut Fayetteville’s lead to 19-17 going into halftime.
Willis and Conley led the Bulldogs with 11 points apiece, while Luke Renner added 10. Conway got 11 apiece from Ellis and John Nekonchuck.
Sports, Pages 24 on 11/20/2013