After five ties in the final five minutes the Hornets prevailed tonight over Farrell, 63-62, at McCluskey Gymnasium behind two clutch free throws from junior Marcus Sonoga with 2.9 seconds left. Hickory (9-2, 11-5) has won four consecutive contests as they are in first-place all alone in Region 6, a half game ahead of Franklin.
The upset minded Steelers led Hickory 32-29 after the first two quarters. Farrell's starters scored 28 of the team's 32 points in the first half while they forced 8 Hornet turnovers compared to just 2 for the blue and gold.
In the final minute of the contest, Sonoga connected on a jumper from the corner to give the Hornets a 61-60 lead. Twenty seconds later, Farrell's Williams Murray banked in a basket to give the host's a one-point lead (62-61). After a timeout, Hickory's Sonoga was fouled with 2.9 seconds. Marcus sank both of his free throw attempts on the road to take the lead and eventually the victory, 63-62.
Matt Votino led the way for the Bees with 23 points as Anthony Cannone had 17 and Marcus Sonoga added 9. Hickory returns home to the “Hive” to battle Slippery Rock on Thursday.
Prior to their January 3 loss to Hickory (68-43), Farrell was victorious against the Bees ten of their last eleven meetings. The Steelers had won two in a row including an upset win over Franklin last Tuesday (64-52).
William Murray scored 20 for the Steelers as Lawrence Hughes had 14. Farrell will travel to Grove City to play the Eagles on Thursday.
