Chris Grubbs hit a last-second jump shot for Hamilton Southeastern Tuesday night, and that sent the Royals to a 71-70 victory over New Castle at the Southeastern gym.
It was a close game throughout. The Trojans led 21-19 after the first quarter and 30-29 at halftime. New Castle then held a 50-46 lead after three quarters, but the Royals poured in 25 points in the fourth, culminating in Grubbs’ game-winner.
Aaron Etherington scored 16 points to lead the scoring; both he and Grubbs collected five rebounds, with Etherington dishing out four assists. Noah Smith added 12 points and handed out eight assists. Grubbs and Mabor Majak each contributed 11 points.
The Royals are 13-5 and play Friday at Carmel.
Hamilton Southeastern 71, New Castle 70
Southeastern FG FT TP PF
Noah Smith 4-9 4-4 12 2
Aaron Etherington 4-11 5-6 16 2
Kole Hornbuckle 3-6 2-2 8 4
Bradley Beemon 0-1 0-0 0 2
Chris Grubbs 5-8 1-1 11 4
Vinny Buccilla 3-5 2-3 8 2
Brandon Miller 0-1 0-0 0 1
Landon Morris 2-2 1-4 5 0
Mabor Majak 4-6 3-4 11 0
Totals 25-49 18-24 71 17
Score by Quarters
New Castle 21 9 20 20 – 70
Southeastern 19 10 17 25 – 71
Southeastern 3-point shooting (3-17) Etherington 3-7, Hornbuckle 0-3, Grubbs 0-3, Smith 0-2, Beemon 0-1, Buccilla 0-1.
Southeastern rebounds (25) Etherington 5, Grubbs 5, Majak 4, Smith 3, Morris 3, Hornbuckle 1, Buccilla 1, Miller 1, team 2.