Abilene, Texas – The Italy Gladiators opened the game against the Lindsay Knights applying full court pressure. Lindsay struggled to break the relentless Italy defense and trailed the Gladiators 15-10 after the 1st quarter.

Italy’s J. Anderson was fouled driving to the basket at the 5:27 mark of the 2nd quarter. After J. Anderson made both free throws, the pace sped up for both teams. Led by an 11-point quarter by #10 John Isaac (21-points total) and a 10-point quarter by #11 Jasenio Anderson, the Gladiators outscored Lindsay 27-19 in the 2nd.

At the 3:36 mark, Italy’s Isaac penetrated Lindsay’s defense, scoring the basket and drawing the and-1. Isaac’s ensuing free throw counted and the Gladiators began pulling away from the Knights 33-22.

With :30 left before the half, Italy’s #15 Desmond Anderson went to the line hitting his 1st free throw. Anderson’s second attempt careened off the rim but teammate #13 Colton Cambell kept the ball alive allowing D. Anderson to lay it in before the buzzer sounded. The hustle play allowed Italy to carry a 42-30 lead into their locker room at the half.

Halftime

In the 3rd quarter, Italy’s J. Anderson asserted himself adding 11 more points to the Gladiator cause. J. Anderson’s effort secured momentum for the Gladiators. Even though Lindsay outscored Italy by 6, Italy still had a 57-50 lead at the end of the 3rd.

J. Anderson’s strength on the line helped secure the win for Italy by dropping in 7-of-9 clutch free throws giving him 32-points in the game. At the 4:49 mark Italy’s #33 Darrin Moore fouled out. 30 seconds later #2 Heath Clemons fouled out. A minute and a half later, #5 Dontavius Clemons joined them on the Italy bench after picking up his fifth foul.

Due to Italy’s foul trouble, Campbell re-entered the game. After a few trips down the court, Campbell is fouled attempting a long three pointer. He hit 2 of the 3 charity shots to give Italy a 69-59 advantage.

During the last two minutes of the game, Jasenio Anderson relied on his ball handling skills to run out the clock putting the final dent in the Knights armor. Italy claimed the Regional Semifinal Championship over the Lindsay Knights 74-64.

Italy Head Coach Kyle Holley stated after the game, “This was not our best showing but I am very proud of our guys. We played hard. Our bench was a definite factor. We appreciate all our fans for making the trip and supporting us here in Abilene.”

Stats by Karen Mathiowetz and Rita Garza

Italy Gladiator Stats:
11-Jasenio Anderson, 32-points, 5-rebounds, 6-steals
10-John Isaac, 21-points, 3-rebounds, 2-steals
15-Desmond Anderson, 6-points, 5-rebounds
33-Darrin Moore, 6-points (two 3-pointers), 3-rebounds, 1-steal
5-Dontavius Clemons, 5-points, 8-rebunds, 1-steal, 2-blocks
2-Heath Clemons, 2-points, 1-reb, 2-steals
13-Colton Campbell, 2-points, 1-reb, 2-steals
4-Diamond Rodgers, 1-rebounds, 1-steal, 1-block

Lindsay Knights Top Performer:
44-Colton Hermes, 22-points, 19-rebounds

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