Resilient Vilonia edges Maumelle in overtime

VILONIA — The Vilonia Eagles overcame a 13-point deficit and defeated the Maumelle Hornets 76-73 in overtime Tuesday night.

Maumelle ( 15- 6, 7- 2 5A-West) led 53-40 midway through the third quarter, but Vilonia answered with a 26-8 run.

Vilonia lost a six-point lead in the final two minutes, but Garrett Brown put the Eagles ahead on a basket off an inbounds play with 22 seconds left in overtime, then sealed the victory with two free throws 11 seconds later. Maumelle failed to get off a shot on its last possession.

“Decreasing their second chances was a big difference in the second half,” Vilonia Coach Tim Goers said. “It’s a great win against a very good team. Those kids are some flat-out players, and we’re very happy to beat them.”

Vilonia trailed by nine starting the fourth quarter. Austin Newell made it 55-48 with two free throws, and Brown scored consecutive baskets in the paint to pull the Eagles to within 55-52. Lucas Nicholson’s cut to the basket made it a one-point game.

After a Maumelle basket, Newell made a three-pointer to pull the Eagles even. Brown then made two free throws to regain the lead for Vilonia. Greer’s scrambling basket under the hoop and Brown’s bank shot made it 67-61.

Maumelle responded again on baskets by J.B. Minix and Tremont Robinson. Minnix pulled Maumelle even with two free throws with 23 seconds left. Vilonia held for the final shot, but Newell’s three-pointer just missed.

Vilonia hit three consecutive three-pointers to take a 9-4 lead in the opening quarter. Maumelle responded as it roared back to take a 22-21 lead.

Brown led all scorers with 23 points. Greer added 19 and Nicholson had 11 for the Eagles.

Maumelle was led by J.B. Minix with 19 points, and Treymont Robinson and Cody Burton had 14 each.