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Larkin knocks off Jefferson in 2 OTs

ROCKFORD - Larkin's boys basketball team experienced the complete gamut of emotions in Wednesday night's thrilling 76-71 double overtime victory over Rockford Jefferson in the Tip-Off Classic at Guilford High School.

The Royals forced overtime as Kashmir Ivy's backcourt steal set up Anthony Lynch for the game-tying basket with 13 seconds remaining in regulation.

Then, seemingly in control after scoring the first 7 points of the first overtime, Larkin missed 4 free throws in the final minute and Jefferson knocked down a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to even the score at 66-66.

Pierre Black gave the Royals a 72-71 lead with a 3-pointer from the corner and Ivy knocked down 3 of 4 free throws to finally seal the victory.

"We did things throughout the game where we could have won or lost, but I'm proud of the guys for fighting through it and getting the job done," said Larkin coach Deryn Carter. "Getting a win is big because it helps the team to grow. They can look at each other in the huddle and know they can find ways to win games."

Lynch led four Royals (1-1) in double figures with 21 points while Ivy and 6-foot-10 center Jalen Shaw finished with 16 points each. Black hit four 3-pointers in a 14-point performance.

Neither team led by more than 4 points in the opening half, but Larkin opened the third quarter with an 8-point run to seize a 36-29 lead. The J-Hawks (1-2) answered with a 19-6 spurt to open up a 48-42 lead with 6 minutes left in regulation.

Shaw, who scored 14 points in the second half and overtime and finished with 10 rebounds and 4 blocks, delivered a pair of clutch baskets down the stretch while Black drilled two 3-pointers to keep the Royals within striking distance.

"We wanted to get Jalen the ball inside more, but it's hard for high school kids to learn to play with big guys," Carter said. "We're definitely going to get better at it as the season goes on."

Point guard Kindrell Morris added 6 points and 8 rebounds for Larkin while Quillen Dixon paced Jefferson with 15 points.

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