Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
STANSBURY PARK — The Ogden Tigers came in to Stansbury on Friday night hoping to snap a four-game losing streak and get their first win in Region 11 play. They were able to do just that.
Spencer Smith scored 26 points, and McKay Smith made a layup with 13.6 seconds left to give the Tigers a 56-55 win over the Stallions. Ryan Robbins scored 14 to lead Stansbury.
Spencer Smith was able to get off to a hot start, scoring 16 of his points in the first half — 14 in the first quarter alone — to help the Tigers snag a 29-23 lead at the half.
“We got it down to our big guy, Larry Rodriguez, and he scored a great basket to start the game,” said Spencer Smith. “He scored, and then it opened things up for me outside.”
Smith was able to score nine of his points from behind the arc, and was really able to mix up the way that he scored the ball. He drove inside. He got to the foul line. And he was able to knock down some jump shots.
Spencer Smith scored eight more in the third, and the Tigers led 52-47 heading to the fourth.
However, he managed only two points in the final period, and without the clutch play of McKay Smith, who scored four of his six points down the stretch, the Tigers would most likely have five losses in a row.
After a foul by Stansbury, Rodriguez had a pair of free throws with just 18.9 to go and his team trailing by one point, 54-53. Rodriguez made the first, tying the game at 54 apiece, but missed the second. Spencer Smith was able to grab the rebound, but his layup follow missed. McKay Smith grabbed Spencer’s miss, and was able to make what would be the game-winning layup with just 13.6 seconds remaining.
The Stallions had a chance to tie the game when Stone Tia drew a foul with just 8.6 left. Tia made the first, but missed the second, and after a pair of missed free throws by Ogden, Stansbury was not able to convert.
“Coach (Shawn McQueen) said this was going to be a tough environment,” said Spencer Smith. “Their crowd was great, and they made things really tough on us. It was a great win.”
The Tigers move to 3-8 with the victory and will face Tooele next Wednesday. The Stallions drop to 5-9 with the loss and will host Bear River next Friday.
CJ Pronk is a Deseret Digital Media intern and a senior at Stansbury High School. Follow CJ on Twitter @BigCeeJ3113
