WESTLAKE – After trailing by double digits late in the third quarter and clawing its way back in the game, any hope Avon had of a comeback victory was dashed in the waning moments.
With the game tied, Westlake senior Joe Klessel scored with approximately seven seconds left in regulation. Though visiting Avon had a timeout, the Eagles didn’t use it and the game-winning 3-point attempt went awry as the Eagles suffered a heart-breaking 73-71 Southwestern Conference loss Tuesday.
“I think our defense got us back in (the game),” Avon coach Kevin Sapara said. “Even though they scored a lot of points, we kind of sped them up into taking some unforced shots that we were able to rebound.
“We didn’t do a great job rebounding so hats off to them.”
The Demons (11-5, 9-4) held a 54-41 lead with over two minutes left in the third quarter after Austin Norris hit a three-point play. The Eagles’ starters, who were subbed out earlier in the quarter, roared all the way back.
Senior Cole Warren (game-high 24 points) hit his seventh three of the game to give Avon (5-10, 4-8) a 69-68 lead. Niko Pappas (14 points) extended the lead to 71-68 before Westlake’s Nate Klima tied it with a three with less than a minute remaining.
After an Eagles turnover, Westlake maintained possession on a loose ball by calling a timeout with 19.4 seconds left.
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