Bishop Kelley Downs Altus in Second-Half Thriller

Originally Published: Dec 10, 2009 10:59 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Reporter

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Continuing with the tournament’s opening night theme of nail-biting finishes, the host school capped off the night with a thriller of its own. Bishop Kelley survived a late push from Altus to win 54-51. The Comets will advance to play Tulsa Hale in the winner’s bracket Friday night.

The Comets led by one point at the half, getting big contributions from former Kelley football stars Joe Dowdell and Jack Cameron. The duo combined for 22 points and helped the Comets to a 12 point lead in the third quarter.

Altus didn’t quit. The Bulldogs kept chipping away at the Comets’ lead, and after Erick Sanders hit a three from the corner, Altus pulled to within one basket.

Bishop Kelley took a three point lead after a Daniel Hinson layup with under one minute to play. Bishop Kelley held on to win after Altus failed to get off a would-be game winning three point shot from half court.

Alex Mcguire scored 14 points for the Comets.

Altus will play Stilwell on Friday at 5:30 p.m.