Hawks just run out of gas in
overtime, Templars win 75-57
By James Tilson
Staff writer
Feb. 15, 2018
MANTI—The boys basketball team of Manti High School wrapped up its regular season by defeating its cross-county rival, North Sanpete, for the second time this season and solidifying a No. 3 seed in the state 3A playoffs which start on Saturday.
On Friday, Feb. 9, the contest in Manti started out tight and hotly contested, with neither team able to assert an advantage.
With the gym rocking by flocks of fans from both high schools, the emotions ran high and prevented either team from getting its offense rolling. The quarter ended 7-5 in favor of the Hawks.
In the second quarter, both teams started to find a rhythm but could not pull away. At the half, the score was Hawks 25, Templars 22.
In the third quarter, the Templars’ outside shooting paved the way for a six-point lead as they outscored the Hawks 20-11 in the quarter.
But in the fourth quarter, the Hawks came creeping back, little by little.
With about two minutes left in the game, Manti’s Dylan Wathen fouled out, and it appeared that the Hawks had finally gained the momentum.
At 1:30 left, the score was evened at 57, and the Hawks were ready to take the lead.
But on their next possession, they could not convert, and the Templars held the ball to try a last-second goal.
Templar Adam Huff, who had gotten hot late in the game, was given the ball, and he drove toward the basket. His attempt fell short, however, and the game went into overtime.
It quickly became evident that the Hawks had run out of gas.
North Sanpete could not convert on any of its chances in overtime, while the Templars were able to get points on just about every possession.
Manti’s 18-0 score in overtime and the 75-57 final score of Manti’s victory do not reflect the hard play and close nature of the game in its entirety, especially since the Hawks bested the Templars in three of four quarters.
Matt Nelson of Manti led all scorers with 23 points (six threes), and Spencer Steadman led the Hawks with 19 (two threes).
Manti made 10 three-pointers to North Sanpete’s six—a 12-point difference, and the Templars made 17 of 22 free throws to the Hawks’ nine out of 17—a nine-point difference.
Manti’s coach, Devin Shakespear, felt confident entering the overtime period: “We were on our own floor, we have a strong bench, and we practice four-minute games every day.”
Manti qualified for the 3A state playoffs and will travel to Wasatch High School in Heber on Saturday to take on Providence Hall High School in its first-round match-up. Tip-off is at 4:50 p.m.
