Holt Stuns U of D with 4th Quarter Comeback in Moneyball Tip-Off Classic

Brandon Mercer II hits a 3 point shot late in the 2nd qtr Saturday. Photo By Travis Long | Team TBM

In a back-and-forth battle full of intensity and clutch plays, Holt shocked U of D with a 59-56 victory in Game 3. The first half was a tightly contested affair, with U of D holding a slim 26-21 lead at halftime after a big three from Clarke Langdon. Holt came out of the locker room ready to fight, quickly cutting the deficit to 26-23. But U of D responded, pushing their lead to 37-25 just minutes into the third quarter. By the end of the period, U of D appeared in control with a 44-33 lead.

Jordan Gorwood of U of D looks on as a Holt player shoots free throws. Photo by Travis Long | TBM Team

Yet Holt refused to go down without a fight, closing the quarter on a 7-0 run to make it 44-40 heading into the fourth. The final quarter delivered non-stop drama. With 6:52 remaining, Holt took their first lead of the game at 45-44 following an AND-1 by Marcel Brown. The two teams exchanged points, keeping the margin tight. With just under four minutes to go, Holt pushed ahead 50-46. In the final minute, the lead changed hands multiple times, setting the stage for a frantic finish. With 30 seconds left, Kae’vion Wilson grabbed a huge offensive rebound and quickly called timeout, putting Holt up 56-55. U of D drew a foul and Clarke Langdon split the free throws, making it 57-56. Holt calmly executed on the next possession, and Brandon Mercer II sank both free throws to extend the lead to 59-56.

Brandon Mercer II takes the ball up the court Saturday Photo by Travis Long | TBM Team

U of D had a final chance to tie the game, but their three-point attempt missed, sealing the upset victory for Holt. Michael Aimery was named Player of the Game for Holt, finishing as the team’s leading scorer with 12 points, anchoring a balanced team effort that propelled Holt to this exciting win.