Girls’ Basketball

Oxford 32, Unatego 24

OTEGO – Oxford blanked Unatego over the final eight minutes Wednesday night, and roared past the Spartans and into the Midstate Athletic Conference championship game.

The Blackhawks’ Julianne Heggie hit four free throws in the last two minutes to help cement her club’s eighth straight victory. The victory also avenged a 16-point loss to the Spartans in mid-Decmeber. “It wasn’t the prettiest basketball game, but we were able to get the win,” said Oxford coach Chris Palmer. “I really can’t say enough about the effort and hustle, really, from both teams. We were able to shore up a couple of things up defensively, and we were able to lock down their key players in the final quarter.”

Kayla Talbot scored all eight of her points in the first quarter as Unatego led by three after one period. The margin stayed at three despite Oxford starters Julianne and Jacquelyn Heggie sitting significant minutes in the second half due to foul trouble. “A big key was Sarah (Renaud) and Megan (Golden) coming in for Julie and Jackie, and we were able to keep the game within three points,” Palmer said. “We put in a couple of baskets early in the fourth quarter and we were able to make enough free throws at the end.”

Julianne Heggie had nine points and Golden eight for Oxford (11-6), who will play Harpursville in the league title game Saturday at 2 p.m. at Oneonta State.