Courtesy Photos(Left)Louisana State University’s Derek Fountain, a former Holly Springs Hawk. (Right)East Tennessee State University’s, Anthony Tippler, a former Ashland Blue Devil.
Local stars faced off in a close Division 1 contest
Louisana State University Tigers basketball team hosted the East Tennessee State Buccaneers on Dec. 21 from Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA.
The game featured two area high legends — Holly Springs Hawk Derek Fountain, an LSU Tiger, and DeAnthony Tipler, a former Ashland Blue Devil now with the East Tennessee State Buccaneers.
Local fans circled this game on their calendars to see their baseketball idols take on each other on a National stage. LSU was a 14-point favorite going into the game, but the Buccaneers had other plans. The Tigers dominanted in the first half, starting the game on an 8- 0 run. A strong offense from the Tigers pushed them to a 37-24 halftime lead.
The Tigers looked ready to put this game away after halftime, but the Buccaneers wouldn’t go down easy. The Buccaneers cut the lead within two with a few minutes left in the game (66- 68). But the Tigers hung on despite being outscored in the second-half. The Tigers won by a final score of 72-68.
LSU’s, Derek Fountain finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.
ETSU’s, DeAnthony Tipler finished with six points, four rebounds, and three assists.