California wasn’t the only place where the earth shook Saturday night. Basketball fans at the CHS gym felt the earth move as well as the Tigers basketball team broke a decade-long, 21-game losing streak to Jefferson.
The 63-56 overtime victory played in front of a packed house gave the Tigers their first win over Jefferson since January 28, 2000.
Jefferson led virtually the entire game.
They were up by 10 at the half 32-22. In the third quarter, the Tigers cut the lead by half as the final period began with the Dragons ahead 40-35.
The Tigers mounted a rally in the fourth quarter that would tie the game 46-46 with 2:10 left in regulation. Commerce had a shot to win it in regulation, but a three-pointer off the mark put the game into overtime tied at 50.
During overtime, Commerce cinched the game from the free-throw line as Jefferson desperately fouled several Tiger players. Commerce took the win 63-56.
“I am very proud of these guys they showed a lot of heart and played with great intensity,” said coach Chad Bridges. “I thought we also played well as a team, every one contributed.”
Leading the charge for Commerce, Brandon Romans scored 22 points with Anthony Norris following with 15. Bubba Bonds added 12, with Channing Anderson putting up eight and Greg Hayes scoring four. Tyler Gamble rounded out the scoring with two points.
Commerce heads back to region play this weekend.
Coming up on Friday, Commerce goes on the road to Prince Avenue for an 8:30 game. The Wolverines are having a rough time in region play with a 1-3 record, and Commerce hopes to notch its third region win at their expense.
On Saturday the Tigers host Athens Christian, currently undefeated in region play. In the past 10 meetings between the teams, Commerce has come out on top only 40 percent. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.
Last Friday’s game against Lakeview was rescheduled due to weather. A final date was unconfirmed at press time.
