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Blue Devils win one in clutch time

Special to the OBSERVER

WAYNESBURG, Pa — The Fredonia men’s basketball team rallied late against Waynesburg to come away with an 89-81 road victory on Wednesday. A 12-0 run late in the game allowed the Devils to take control.

Kay Jackson led the team with 21 points, six assists and three steals. Ian Helps added 16, and Dante Williams earned his first double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. De’Quan Smith had 13 points.

The Devils’ first lead of the game came at the 11:10 mark. Isaiah Ice made a layup to put the Devils up, 11-10. A layup and a pair of free throws by Helps gave Fredonia its largest lead of the half at 15-10.

The Yellow Jackets came buzzing back, reeling off 13 straight points. They rode that momentum into a 45-36 lead at the half.

Waynesburg led by as many as 15 points in the second half. A 3-pointer by Matt Popek with 13:03 left gave the Jackets a 65-50 lead.

Fredonia immediately went on a 13-2 run to pull within four points, 67-63. A jumper by Smith with 9:02 to go capped that rally.

Fredonia eventually tied the game at 72-all when Jackson stripped the ball and went coast to coast, making good on a contested layup.

Waynesburg converted a pair fo free throws to regain the lead. The Devils scored the next 12 to go up 84-74 and effectively ice the game.

After Waynesburg attained its biggest lead of 15, the Devils outscored them 39-16 to close out the game.

The Devils shot a sizzling 57 percent from the field and converted 24 of 32 free throws. Waynesburg shot 44 percent, and was only 5 of 10 from the free throw line. Fredonia also held a 41-27 edge in rebounds.

Waynesburg stayed in the game by connecting on 14 3-pointers compared to five by Fredonia, as well as winning the turnover battle 16 to 24.

John Knab had 22 for the Jackets (0-3) and Popek had 18.

Ice and Colden George each scored eight points to aid the Blue and White.

After feasting on turkey, the Devils (1-3) play host to Medaille in their home opener in Steele Hall on Saturday. Game time is set for 2 p.m. and there will be no admission charge for the game.

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