Enid Edges Bixby in Final Seconds

Originally Published: Feb 26, 2010 10:47 PM CDT

BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma – Chris Fitzpatrick made a lay-up and foul shot with three seconds remaining to lift Enid past Bixby 61-60 in the first round of the 6A tournament.

It was a tightly-contested game throughout the first three quarters, and the Plainsmen went into the final period with a 48-47 lead.

The first four minutes of the fourth quarter belonged to the Spartans, who started the period on a 7-0 run. Enid would finally break through with five quick points by Alex Patterson, and the Plainsmen eventually tied the game at 58-58 on a Fitzpatrick three-pointer.

After two free throws gave Bixby a 60-58 lead, Enid put up a flurry of shots before getting possession on a jump ball with eight seconds remaining. Fitzpatrick took the inbounds pass, drove to the basket, and made a lay-up before being fouled by Sean Young. Fitzpatrick stepped to the foul line a few seconds later, made the free throw, and gave Bixby a 61-60 lead with three seconds remaining.

Austin Wright took the final shot for the Spartans, but could not get his jumper to fall.

Fitzpatrick finished with a game-high 22 points, Clint Gamble had 18 points, and Patterson pitched in 16. The Spartans were led by Jacob Bittle, who poured in 17.

The Plainsmen move on to the Broken Arrow Regional final where they will face the host Tigers, who beat Shawnee 87-44 in the late game.