GRAND LEDGE, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater Cardinals made a big comeback in the final minutes against ninth-ranked East Lansing on Thursday night but the Trojans hung on to defeat the Cardinals 63-57 in the Division One Boys Basketball Regional Finals at Grand Ledge.
Coldwater started fast and led 15-11 after the first quarter. The Trojans came back in the second and used a 11-2 spurt to take a 29-22 halftime lead. The second quarter proved to be big as East Lansing outscored Coldwater 18-7.
East Lansing used a seven point run to close out the third quarter as they took a 42-35 lead. The Trojans built their lead to as much as 14 points early in the final quarter but the Cardinals refused to throw in the towel.
Coldwater fought back to within three points 58-55 with 39 seconds left but the Trojans were able to hit some critical foul shots to secure the win and a trip to the Division One State Quarterfinals against Forest Hills Northern next Tuesday.
Coldwater’s Ethan Crabtree scored a game-high 24 points including 21 in the second half. He also had six rebounds and three assists.
Brandon Downs added 13 points while Spencer Rodesiler had a solid game with 11 points and seven assists.
East Lansing had four players finish in double figures led by Brevin Jackson with 16 points and their defense forced the Cardinals into 19 turnovers.
Coldwater finished the season with a record of 14-5.
Listen to the game again:
In other area boys basketball regional title games on Thursday night…
D2: Pennfield 56, Williamston 53 (at Williamston)
D3: Schoolcraft 52, Kalamazoo Christian 37 (at Bronson)
D4: Webberville 79, Colon 45 (at Lansing Christian)
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