Hartselle places fifth in Big Orange Classic

By Staff
Tigers snap losing streak with win over Prattville
Nick Johnston, Hartselle Enquirer
HOOVER – The Hartselle Tigers snapped a four-game losing streak during the Big Orange Classic last week.
In first round action, though, Hartselle fell 68-58 in overtime to eventual tournament champion Pleasant Grove. In the elimination round, Hartselle defeated Prattville and went on to a fifth-place finish by beating Shaw (Ga.) 66-64.
Against Pleasant Grove, Hartselle jumped out to a 7-0 lead before faltering. The game was tied at 27-all at halftime and Hartselle appeared it would hold on to a three-point lead at the end of the third. However, Pleasant Grove's Al Autman hit a three-pointer from just inside halfcourt to tie the contest.
Hartselle trailed by as many as five in the final quarter before rallying at the end. Zac Ward hit a layup with five seconds remaining to force overtime.
Hartselle began the overtime session with three turnovers, leading directly to five points for Pleasant Grove. Hartselle was outscored 10-0 in overtime.
Ward led Hartselle with 25 points, Marlon Chapman had 14 and Keith Rodgers scored seven.
Terrell Warren led Pleasant Grove with 15 and Antwaun Burroughs had 14.
Against Shaw, Chapman led the Tigers with 25 points, while Ward added 21.
Hartselle trailed the entire game before taking the lead with less than a minute to play.