Central Gwinnett outlasts Lakeside in overtime
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
Athens, GA – Central Gwinnett had to weather the storm of being down double figures in the second half. Some timely shooting and late defense helped the Black Knights beat Lakeside, 75-69, in overtime.
The Black Knights’ Malik Rideout nailed a jumper with a minute to go in the extra session for a 70-69 lead. His basket was part of Central Gwinnett’s 7-0 lead to seal the game.
Rideout finished the game with 15 points. John Mark Avitabile scored 15 points after hitting five 3-pointers. Timothy Smith chipped in with 10 points. The Black Knights (3-12) needed all three of them and some strong defensive stops to pick up the victory.
Lakeside (7-8) held a 12-point lead in the third quarter behind the scoring of Andre Wheeler Jr. and Sebastian Reed. Reed scored six straight points to help the Vikings take the double-digit lead. Wheeler, who finished with a game-high 30 points, directed Lakeside’s offense before the Black Knights adjusted defensively.
Central Gwinnett focused on taking the ball out of Wheeler’s hand. The defensive effort disrupted the Vikings while the Black Knights went on its run late to tie the score in regulation.
Reed finished with 19 points.
About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.