A Gavi Smith “3” with just under 3 seconds left in overtime propelled TABC to a Tier 1 qualifying win. The wild game had 11 lead changes including four in overtime, in what proved to be the game of the day.

It was a back and forth first half with no team leading by more than five at any point. It ended with the Miami Beach, Florida RASG Academy Warriors leading 20-19.

TABC kept it close the entire way, forcing the Warriors into eight turnovers and 28% shooting from the field.

The second half was filled with runs, with the Storm starting off the half on a 7-0 run. The Warriors, playing with a small bench, appeared to be running out of gas but came right back with a 6-0 run of their own. After a TABC bucket, the Warriors went on a 9-0 run to put them ahead 35-29.

The fourth quarter appeared to be all Warriors, with RASG leading by nine with five minutes to go. But the Storm surged back, going on a 12-2 run to take a 5-point lead with two minutes remaining.

The Warriors, as was the case all game, wouldn’t go down without a fight, and answered with a 5-0 run and holding for the final shot. However, Noah Schiff’s 3-point attempt at the buzzer didn’t fall and the game headed to overtime.

The overtime period was dominated by free throws as the teams traded points from the charity stripe. Ben Tal was especially good for the Warriors going 16-16 from the line.

Down the stretch though, the Warriors missed their last four free throws and it led to the first and only field goal of overtime, a cold-blooded three by Gavi Smith that stormed the Storm to victory.

With the win, TABC advances to a Tier I Quarterfinals.

By Jack Ganchrow, Macslive