Star Spencer Beats Ft. Gibson; Advances to Semifinals

Originally Published: Mar 11, 2010 10:43 PM CDT

Jessica Coody
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Defending state champions Star Spencer advanced to the state semifinals thanks to a 62-61 overtime win over Fort Gibson.

The lead would go back and forth for most of the second half. Star Spencer's Kendre Talley missed two crucial free throws late in the fourth. Fort Gibson made free throws and they would head into overtime tied at 58.

In overtime, Fort Gibson led by one when Talley came up with a huge steal and finished with a layup to give Star Spencer the 60-59 lead.

Fort Gibson's Courtney Gaston hit two free throws to give Fort Gibson a 61-60 lead with 22.2 seconds left in overtime.

Then Star Spencer called a timeout and head coach Patrick Cudjoe wanted the ball in Talley's hand. With time winding down in overtime, Talley drew the double team off the drive and found Edwin Bradley cutting to the basket. Bradley hit the shot as time expired and gave Star Spencer the 62-61 win in the process.

Talley led Star Spencer with 17. John Cooskey had 14 and Bradley added 12.

Billy Waltrip led Fort Gibson with 21 and Stephen Keese added 16.

Star Spencer will now face Bishop McGuinness in the state semifinals at 10:30 a.m. at the State Fairgrounds. Star Spencer defeated McGuinness in the State Finals a year ago.