GREENE – It has been said a team can’t beat the same opponent three times in one season. That statement held true Thursday night in a first-round Class C sectional game between the host Greene Trojans and the Walton Warriors. 

The visiting Warriors used a 21 point lead after three quarters of play as well as strong free throw shooting in the fourth quarter to hold on for the 66-57 upset win. 

“We could not make a bucket [in the third] and had too many turnovers,” said Greene’s head coach Chris Rice. “[Walton] just closed the inside off to us.”

Rice is referring the third quarter where Walton held Greene to three points following halftime, taking a 21-point lead into the final quarter.

However, the last eight minutes were a different ball game.

The Trojans’ hit six of their 11 made shots from behind the arc in the fourth quarter and finished with a total of 30 points. 

The Warriors’ were able to hold on for the win due to their foul shooting, going 10-for-14 in the fourth. Dylan Jacob, who led all-scorers in the contest with 26 points, went 5-of-6 at the stripe in the quarter. Teammate Jose Mirabal also went to the line several times in the stanza and made five of his attempts. 

“[Walton’s] performance at the free throw line sealed the deal for them,” said Rice. “We had them in bonus too soon. It was a tough one for us.”