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MARATHON SETBACK: Gladstone Falls In 2 OT's
 GLADSTONE---The Gladstone High School boys basketball team battled the Marquette Redmen for two hours Tuesday night in a back-and-forth battle that took two overtimes to decide. In the end, the Redmen pulled out a thrilling 68-67 victory. Joe Ostrowski's desperation three-pointer at the buzzer forced overtime, then the Redmen overcame several turnovers to pick up the Great Northern Conference win. For the Braves, it was missed free throws that probably cost them the win. After missing just one foul shot in last week's victory over Ishpeming, the Braves made just 19 of 33 free throws (57 percent). And their best shooter, Reece Castor, missed two big ones.  In the third quarter, the Braves went ice cold, scoring only five points. The Redmen, however, didn't do much better, scoring only ten points. Marquette's 38-33 lead was shortlived, as the Braves found their offensive touch in the fourth quarter. Jared Ness's layup with 4:15 left made it 45-45, and after the teams exchanged baskets, Jack Stephenson's rebound and hoop gave the Braves a 49-47 lead with three minutes left on the clock. Castor sank two free throws with 2:25 left to make it 51-47, then with 28 seconds left, he made another one to give Gladstone a 55-49 lead. But Marquette attacked the basket quickly, as Treylon McFerrin made a basket and was fouled. His free throw cut it to 55-52, and the Redmen fouled Castor. That's usually the kiss of death for opponents, but Castor missed the front end of a one-and-one. The Redmen brought the ball up court, passed it around, and as time ran out, Ostrowsky hoisted up a prayer from in front of the Marquette bench. Nothing but net.  But with 12.9 seconds left, Castor was called for an offensive foul. Marquette missed a winning shot, however. In the second overtime, Marquette grabbed the quick lead. Gladstone had plenty of chances, but Hunter Botruff missed two three-pointers with 1:05 left. Ness made a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to 67-66, before McFerrin split a pair of free throws. Trailing 68-66, the Braves got the ball to Castor, who was fouled again. With the chance to tie the game, the usually-reliable Castor missed the first free throw. He made the second cutting it to one, and then the Redmen tried a long pass to beat the Braves back on defense. It was too far, giving Gladstone the ball with a chance to win. But Stephenson missed the three as time ran out, and Marquette left with a win. Spindler scored a game-high 28 points and Castor added 26. Marquette got 20 points from Ostrowsky and 13 from McFerrin. Gladstone won the junior varsity game, 50-39. The Braves have another rivalry game Friday night, taking the short trip to Escanaba to face the Eskymos. Click the thumbnails in the ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS box above to see video highlights, taken by Nate Bellville. |
