One of the keys to winning a basketball game is to be a good at getting to the free throw line and making those free throws when the opportunity arises. Never was that tenant more on display than Friday night when the Phil Campbell Bobcats defeated the East Lawrence Eagles 59-52 in overtime in a critical area matchup.

Phil Campbell went 23 for 34 from the free throw line in the game, but more critically, nine of the Bobcats’ 12 overtime points came from the free throw line to help them win the game.

Phil Campbell took a 12-10 first-quarter lead, with eight of their points coming from Luke Garrison. Garrison started the game with two straight three-pointers.

East Lawrence battled back to tie the game 22-22 at halftime. The Eagles outscored the Bobcats 13-9 to take a 35-31 lead into the fourth quarter. Nate Owens scored seven of Phil Campbell’s 17 points in the final period to take the game into overtime.

Phil Campbell outscored East Lawrence 11-4 in overtime to get the area win.

Isaac Riddle led the Bobcats with 17 points. Owens added 15 points and Garrison 14 points. Brett Saint finished the game with seven points and Ridge Raper six points.

Girls

Phil Campbell 70, East Lawrence 28

The Phil Campbell Bobcats picked up an easy area win last week, beating the East Lawrence Eagles 70-28.

Phil Campbell led 24-6 at the end of the first quarter and 40-15 at halftime en route to the easy win.

Kallie Allen led Phil Campbell with 24 points, and Caitlynn Mills had 19 points. Abby Davis added eight points, Katie Thomas five points, Kaci Harris five points, Makalya Baker four points, Jade Roberson three points and Faith Cook three points.