ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, February 10, 1996 TAG: 9602130014
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: FLOYD
SOURCE: CHAD WILLIS STAFF WRITER
MEMO: NOTE: Shorter version ran in Metro edition.
A RESERVE GUARD hits the game-winning basket to lift the Buffaloes to victory.
Prior to Friday's game against Radford High School, Floyd County guard Alan Underwood lightheartedly told reporters to remember his name and number.
Two hours later, the reserve guard proved good on his boast, connecting on a game-winning baseline jumper with 4.2 seconds left in overtime and giving the Buffaloes an 82-81 Three Rivers District victory.
``That was by far the biggest shot I have ever hit in my life,'' Underwood said. ``It was a big shot in a big game for us.''
With the score tied at 80, Radford's Tony Hash made one of two free-throw attempts, giving the Bobcats the lead with 10.5 seconds remaining.
Floyd County guard Ryan Turman then took the inbounds pass and weaved through three Radford defenders before finding Underwood for the clincher.
``It was a great look by Ryan,'' Underwood said. ``He did a good job of setting me up for the shot.''
The Buffaloes improved to 14-2 overall and 5-0 in the district. The Bobcats fell to 9-7, 2-3.
``I can't put feelings into words, but there were two keys to our win,'' Floyd County coach Alan Cantrell said. "We got great play from our bench and our team never lost its focus or perspective on the game.''
Turman and Underwood replaced Buffaloe starters Travis Cantrell and Adam Harris when each fouled out in the extra period.
``We had some guys really come off the bench and play well for us tonight,'' Alan Cantrell said. "Ryan and Alan just kept their composure and did what they had to do.''
Floyd County and Radford each had five players score in double figures. Floyd County was led by Derek Saunders with 19 points and 16 rebounds. Derrick Chapman paced Radford with 22 points and six steals.
The Buffaloes stampeded from the gate, scoring 17 of the game's first 22 points.
Radford would retaliate in the second quarter with a 12-2 run, cutting Floyd County's lead to 30-27 at halftime.
The Bobcats opened the second half with a 7-0 run, giving Radford its first lead since the game's opening minute.
The two teams battled back and forth in the second half, resulting in nine lead changes and five ties.
Radford's John Robertson provided regulation's final tie courtesy of an 18-foot jumper from the right wing with 0.4 seconds remaining.
"After we got down early, we just told the kids to keep hustling and try to make the score close,'' Bobcat coach Rick Cormany said. "They did even more than we asked. They gave themselves a chance to win the game.
"I've just got to hand it to Floyd, because they never stop playing until the final tick on the clock. That's what makes them so hard to beat.''
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
LENGTH: Medium: 60 linesby CNB