Youth basketball championships: Clippers win thriller against Spurs

Published 6:15 pm Saturday, February 25, 2017

The Clippers and Spurs dueled back and forth over the 11-12 boys championship on Saturday afternoon. The game was tied four times in the fourth quarter, and there were four lead changes.

Ja’lyn Rogers drives the baseline in Saturday’s win over the Spurs.

Ja’lyn Rogers drives the baseline in Saturday’s win over the Spurs.

Trailing 39-38, it was Ja’lyn Rogers’ layup late in the game that gave the Clippers a marginal lead. He got another basket with 15 seconds left, and Jerai Davenport’s attempt at tying the game rung off the rim as the Clippers went on to win, 42-39.

It was Rogers that was first to break through after the opening tip off. He got two layups, but the Spurs were able to counter with baskets of their own from Biyon Lane and Kevin Moore Jr.

The first quarter was one of runs. The Clippers got seven in a row before the Spurs scored six unanswered to end the opening period. It was the Clippers that took a narrow 11-10 lead after one.

The Spurs took their first lead, 20-19, in the second. It was short lasted as Gary Payne helped the Clippers cash in on turnovers to take a 25-20 lead.

Larry Ebron tries to scoot around Jacori Blount.

Larry Ebron tries to scoot around Jacori Blount.

The third quarter came and went without the Clippers notching a point. Davenport bookended the Spurs scoring in the quarter — starting things with a layup and finishing it with a free throw, producing a 29-25 lead going into the fourth.

The Clippers ended their drought with two quick buckets to start the fourth. Payne tied the game at 29 apiece early in the fourth. It was his side that was able to get one more shot to fall in the win.