Hilltoppers knock off Heritage in OT

By: | New Era Progress
Published: January 13, 2012

When it comes to the basketball rivalry between E.C. Glass and Heritage, Hilltoppers’ coach Roy Roberson has learned one thing — expect the unexpected.

It was perhaps that knowledge, and a lot of help from senior guard Najee Culver (23 points), that allowed the Hilltoppers to topple the Pioneers, 76-68, in overtime at Glass on Thursday.

Early, Glass looked as if it would cruise to an easy victory. It was up by as much as 12 in the first half and held nearly every Pioneers’ charge at bay. But Heritage sophomore Justen Joyner and the Pioneers finally found their shooting touch late in the game to force overtime.

After Heritage senior Jesse Daniels (9 points) hit a 3-pointer to bring his team to within 2, the Pioneers sent Culver to the free-throw line, where he made one of two, setting the stage for Joyner.

As time was winding down for the Pioneers, Joyner caught a pass on the left baseline. In front of his bench, he let a 3 fly from the corner and tying the score and sending the game to overtime.

But Heritage, which struggled throughout the contest to put together any cohesive offensive run, couldn’t keep up with Glass in the extra period.

The Hilltoppers scored 12 points in overtime — including seven straight without Heritage answering.

“It always fun and exciting to play in this atmosphere,” Roberson said. “It didn’t do much for my blood pressure, though. It’s a rivalry game, so you never know what to expect. But we’re fortunate to get this win.”

Culver ran the show for Glass, either shooting from the top of the key or driving to the hoop and drawing fouls. But Glass received a lot of help down low as well. Juniors Karl Overstreet and Tyqion Stokes (12 points) each added eight rebounds, and Glass battled the offensive boards to get a plethora of second-chance points.

“We didn’t execute well a lot of times,” Heritage coach Dan Stephens said. “We got into a hole in the first half that we couldn’t climb out of in the second half.”

Glass and Heritage will battle it out again at Heritage on Feb. 7.