WINDER—Madison County’s Seth Fleming drilled a pair of three-pointers in the final 21 seconds of regulation to force overtime against Rockdale County, but the Raiders couldn’t recreate the magic in the extra period.
Madison County fell 61-58 to the Bulldogs Saturday in the region tournament, denying the program its first trip to the state tournament in 12 years.
Madison County (8-18), which upset Cedar Shoals four days earlier, gave no. 1 seed Rockdale County fits, though.
The Raiders led 23-20 at the half and later rallied from a 52-48 deficit in the waning moments to force overtime.
Fleming, who finished with 14 points, nailed a three-pointer in the corner with 21 seconds left to cut the lead to 52-51. Rockdale County followed with a pair of free throws, but Fleming struck again with a three-pointer – his fourth of the game -- from near the top of the key to tie the game.
But missed free throws and turnovers would haunt Madison County in overtime.
With the game tied 56-56, the Raiders missed five-straight attempts at the charity stripe.
Madison County then turned the ball over on three-straight possessions, as Rockdale County took a 60-56 lead.
Fleming later fouled out with 19 seconds left, leaving the hot-shooting Raider on the bench for the final stretch.
The Raiders trailed by three in the final seconds, but never got a good look at the basket in their final possession. With a defender on him, Ben Morris missed a three-pointer as time – and the Raiders’ upset bid – expired.
Patrick McCrary led Madison County with 17 points. Bradley Raines added 11.
Rockdale Co. 61, Madison Co. 58 OT
MCHS 9 14 14 17 (4) -- 58
RCHS 9 11 19 15 (7) – 61
Scorers: McCrary 17, Fleming 14, Raines 11, Davis 7, Smith 4, Morris 3, McGuire 2
