In spite of a furious fourth-quarter comeback, Austin held off Southwestern, 56-55, in the first round of the Class 2-A Southwestern sectional.
The Eagles (6-17) missed two free throws with less than 10 seconds left, but the Rebels (8-16) turned the ball over and missed a chance to win the game with one final shot.
Brady White led the Eagles in scoring with 19 points, including six made 3-pointers, and Trevor McIntosh scored 10 points to go with five rebounds.
The Rebels trailed 47-31 heading into the fourth quarter, but rallied to score 24 fourth quarter points to draw within a point of the Eagles. But Austin held on to win the game and move on to play Switzerland County in the second round.
Tryston Wheatley led the Rebels in scoring with 21 points and five rebounds.
Class A New Washington
New Washington 53, Shawe Memorial 46: The Mustangs (15-9) used nine consecutive free throws in the final minutes of the game to defeat the Hilltoppers (4-20). Stevie Mack scored a game-high 18 points for the Mustangs, and Zach Moore and Brandon Horton chipped in with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Shawe was led in scoring by Brad Koehler, who scored 12 points.
Christian Academy of Indiana 53, South Central 37: The Warriors (15-8) cleaned house against the Rebels (1-23) after leading at the half by 15. Nick Reed posted 18 points to lead Christian Academy.
“South Central came in with a great game plan to slow the game down and it took us a while to adjust,” said CAI coach Steve Kerberg. “I am really happy we were able to play this game to let our younger players get a feel for tournament season.”
Class A West Washington
West Washington 78, Crothersville 33: The Senators (16-8) tamed the Tigers (3-21) in dominant fashion. West Washington’s Noah Green led the game with 19 points.
Trinity Lutheran 67, Medora 53: The Cougars (17-7) broke open a tie at 53 with a 14-0 run to close out the win over the Hornets (6-16) in the first round. Daniel Horton led all scorers with 21 for Trinity Lutheran.
