After losing three times, the Hurricanes beat the Yellow Jackets in the big one.
By DAWN REISS
Published February 20, 2005
INVERNESS - Forget three, the fourth time is the charm for Citrus.
After losing three times to Leesburg this season, Citrus' secured a district championship by dominating the boards in a fourth-quarter run en route to a 51-46 victory.
"One big win is better than than three little wins," R.J. Cobb said.
Walter Howard and Donnie Ross controlled the boards and helped Citrus go on a 19-9 run in the last period after trailing 37-32 in the third. After trying a new defense, the 'Canes switched to a man-to-man.
"We were losing people on screens and I told them we need to go back and play the defense we've played them all three games," coach Tom Densmore said. "All three games we've played them, they've score in the 40s and they were on pace to get 60."
The strategy worked.
The 'Canes combined their defense and rebounding with scoring inside to draw fouls in the tightly called game.
With Leesburg ahead 41-36, Howard turned an offensive rebound into a quick bucket to put the 'Canes within two. J.D. Hoglund intercepted a pass followed by a Randall Sullivan foul on Ross. Ross hit one-of-two from the charity stripe as the 'Canes trailed 41-40. Two possessions later an unsportsmanlike technical was called on junior Rodney McIntyre after he fouled Howard.
"I thought he was going to drive, so I thought I cut him off," McIntyre said. "So I cut him off and I thought he stepped out of bounds. When he called it on me, I was like, "What?"'
McIntyre insisted that's all he said, nothing more.
Howard made three of four to give Citrus the 43-41 lead.
A Marquez Porter jumper tied the game again at 43. Both sides were called for fouls, tying the game again at 44.
A Howard layup put the 'Canes on top for good 46-44, with a series of fouls leading to the final score.
