FREE THROW AT THE BUZZER ALLOWS IRISH JV TEAM TO POST 56-55 WIN

Sophomore wing J.R. Bernans sank the second of two free throws after being fouled at the buzzer to give the Irish JV team a 56-55 win over Olentangy.

The Irish jumped out to a 25-12 first quarter lead and still led by 8 at the end of the third quarter at 43-34.

Olentangy used a half court trap to force Irish turnovers and were able to cut the lead to 51-48 late in the fourth quarter. Sophomore post Max Brundige hit a pair of free throws and then assisted a Jacob McPheters lay-up that gave the Irish a 55-48 lead with 1:34 to go in the game.

However, the Braves hit a bucket on their next possession and cashed in with a another deuce and a trey following two Irish turnovers. This tied the score with 16 seconds to go.

Bernans collected a rebound on a missed shot and loose ball before being fouled while shooting at the buzzer. The first free throw rattled in and out, but he swished the second one as the boisterous Braves’ student section tried to disrupt his concentration.

On the game, the Irish were 11-12 at the line. Both teams shot well from the field.

Raneal Ewing scored a game high 16 points to lead the Irish. Three other Irish players were in double figures - Bernans (15), McPheters (13) and Brundige (10).