The USC Salkehatchie men's basketball team knew that it's game with Denmark Technical College on Thursday night would be huge if they were to get a better seeding for the Region X tournament.The Indians came out sloppy in the first half and once Denmark Technical College took and hit the final shot before the half-time buzzer, the knew they were in for a fight.
The score at the half was Denmark Technical College 40, USC Salkehatchie 39.
The Indians as they have done most of the season found themselves in what looked like a no win situation with 2:00 left and trailing by 5.
It would be what seemed like a miracle for the Indians, when Xavier Mayfield hit an improbable 3-pointer with 4.9 seconds left in regulation.
The Indians were able to hold the Panthers and the game went into overtime, the first for the Indians this season.
In overtime the game was back and forth but with 11.6 the Indians found themselves down by one, 75-74 and Brandon Riley was headed to the line for two shots.
On the first shot Riley missed and Denmark Technical College rebounded and drove the ball down the court. The Panthers were fouled by the Indians and the officials realized that the Indians should have had another shot.
However, instead of adding 11.6 seconds back on the clock. the officials determined they couldn't go back. The Indians were allowed to shoot their other foul shot putting the Indians ahead 76-75.
To every one's surprise, they allowed Denmark Tech college to take the 2-free throws and after sinking both they went ahead 77-76.
The Indians had one last chance to take the lead but to no avail and the Panthers earned their first Region X victory on the season.
An upset head coach Travis Garrett said after the game, "I am upset, I am upset with the way we handled the pressure. We could have easily won the game, all we have to do is hit our free throws. The officials had an off night and we knew it, we have to take control of the game and control our own destiny."
The Indians fall to 11-15 on the season and go to 5-5 in Region X play.
The Indians will be back in action this Saturday night against Lauringburg at home (Walterboro, South Carolina), tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
