Cathedral beats Dexter in consolation

Published 12:09 am Saturday, February 14, 2009

BROOKHAVEN — Mae Durkin scored 15 points and made a key free throw with less than four seconds left to help the Cathedral Lady Green Wave defeat Dexter 53-51 Friday afternoon in the consolation game of the Region 8-1A Tournament at West Lincoln High.

Despite a slow start in the first quarter, Cathedral only trailed Dexter by 2 points at halftime. Neither team was able to grab the momentum in the third quarter, but the Lady Green Wave rallied to win the game thanks to a 22-18 edge in the fourth quarter.

“We went to a full-court press in the second half and forced some turnovers to get back in the game,” coach Kathy Graning said. “We took care of the ball and did what we needed to do down the stretch.”

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Cathedral was ahead by 6 points with about eight seconds left when Dexter made a 3-pointer to cut the lead in half. With 4.2 seconds left and the Lady Green Wave leading 52-51, Graning called a timeout and told her players to inbound the ball and hold it to make Dexter foul.

“We got it in to Mae and they fouled her, and she made one of two free throws,” Graning said. “Then we put a little pressure on them so they wouldn’t get an easy 3-point shot.”

Dexter’s last-second halfcourt attempt did not fall. Cathedral escaped with the win and will be the No. 3 seed from Region 8-1A in the first round of the Class 1A South State Playoffs.

Ana Perry added 14 points, and Ginny Daggett chipped in with 10 points for Cathedral (11-16). The Lady Green Wave will travel to take on the No. 2 seed from Region 6-1A Monday at 7 p.m.