Olentangy Orange Returns to the Regional Finals
Pioneers dominant fourth quarter blows open a close game and beat Newark 50-42
COLUMBUS, OH - For the second straight year and second time in school history, Olentangy Orange is headed back to the regional championship. Similar to last season, the Pioneers defeated Newark in the regional semifinals at Ohio Dominican and did so thanks to a 15-0 run that spanned the end of the third quarter until the final minute.
In a game that had 13 lead changes and eight ties, no team held a leader greater than four until Orange sophomore Levi Davis scored his second straight basket to start the fourth quarter and gave the Pioneers a 38-33 lead. It was all Pioneers from there as top-seeded Orange held the Wildcats scoreless in the final period until a Ty Gilbert three just under a minute left ended the drought. At that point, the damage had been done as Orange rallied towards a 50-42 victory.
Similar to how they’ve performed all season, Orange received a balanced effort from their athletic and versatile rotation, as four players scored nine or more points. Although the typically hot-shooting Pioneers had an off night from behind the arc, with only three triples and just one after the first quarter, it was their relentless attack of the rim and defense that allowed for separation in the final period.
