Jackets Edge Urbana to Reach Finals

The Yellow Jackets defeated the Urbana Blue Nights 77-74 on Friday to advance to the Ohio Independent Championship finals. Cedarville’s stellar shooting, especially in the second half, helped the Jackets pull out a close game at the end.

The game was incredibly close throughout, as the largest lead of the first half was a five-point Cedarville advantage that quickly evaporated. Each team hit five shots from beyond the arc in the first half, and they entered halftime tied at 37-37.

The Jackets characteristically started off the second half well, going on a 13-1 run to begin the half. However, after Cedarville took a 50-38 lead, Urbana answered back with a 15-2 run of their own and captured a 53-52 lead.

The game was not decided until the final minute, when Urbana missed what would have been a game-tying free throw with 0:49 remaining in the game. Cedarville held its one-point lead, and after a missed Urbana three-pointer, the Blue Nights sent Daniel Hickman to the line, and he hit two free throws to seal the victory at 77-74.

Bryan Redic lead the Jackets in scoring with a career-high 20 points; Redic hit 3-3 shots from three-point range. Zach Brown also sank three shots from long distance and contributed 15 points.