For about 11 seconds, Edgewater seemed destined for the Class 6A state championship game.
The Eagles clung to a two-point lead after Anfernee Simons’ made a layup with 13.1 seconds remaining in the game. But Gainesville’s Ronte Oates answered with a tip in with two seconds to go, sending the game into overtime where the Hurricanes dominated from the extra tipoff.
Sparked by an Oates three, Gainesville outscored Edgewater 14-2 in overtime for an 83-71 victory and a spot in the 6A title game. BHSN will broadcast the 6A championship game LIVE on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
The Eagles dominated the Canes in the first half. Led by Simons 13 first-half points, Edgewater built a seven-point halftime lead.
In the third quarter, Gainesville got more aggressive. After committing 11 turnovers in the first half, the Canes only turned it over three times in the third. And they applied the pressure to the Eagles.
In the fourth, Simons and Buck Watkins hit consecutive three’s to give Edgewater a six-point lead. But Gainesville responded with a run that tied the game.
Ike Smith led Gainesville with 28 points. Simons finished with 24. Francois Lewis added 14 and James Eads had 10.