Patriots win in OT

The Marshall Academy Patriots almost let a big lead slip away Friday night.

MA, after leading 40-22 at halftime, survived an overtime thriller versus Royal Ambassadors (of Memphis, Tenn.) 74-72.

The game was tied at 70 heading into overtime. The Patriots outscored the opposition 4-2 in the extra period, getting two free throws each from Everette Jones and Drayton Potts.

Jones finished with a game-high 26 points. Tyler Bolden was also in double digits with 15. Zach Sorrell and Eli Pearson scored nine each.

Royal Ambassadors outscored Marshall 26-7 in the third quarter to take a stunning 48-47 lead.

In the fourth, Jones scored 11 points and Bolden hit a couple of big threes as MA battled back to tie and send the game to OT.

The Patriots (10-3) and Lady Patriots (8-5), who did not play Royal Ambassadors, visited District 1-AA opponent Winona Christian Tuesday. They will host another district foe, Central Holmes, Friday and then host Winona Christian next Tuesday, Jan. 16.