BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – CJ Franklin delivered in the clutch, sinking two free throws in the final seconds to lift Sylacauga over Wenonah in a nail-biting 69-68 victory.
With under 18 seconds remaining, the Aggies held a 67-63 lead. However, a quick layup by Wenonah and a Sylacauga turnover that led to an and-one gave the Dragons a 68-67 advantage.
On the ensuing possession, Franklin was fouled at halfcourt with 6.6 seconds left while bringing the ball up. Despite his recent struggles from the free-throw line, a struggle he acknowledged in the postgame press conference, he calmly sank both shots to give Sylacauga a 69-68 lead.
Wenonah had a final opportunity, but a missed layup sealed the Aggies’ victory.
Key Stats
Sylacauga trailed 39-29 at halftime and struggled from beyond the arc, going 0-for-7 from 3-point range. The Aggies also committed eight first-half turnovers, which led to nine points for Wenonah.
The second half was a different story, as Sylacauga outscored Wenonah 40-29 behind 16 points from Franklin and 14 points from Ayden Crowe. The Aggies rebounded from their shooting struggles, hitting 6 of 11 from 3-point range after halftime.
View all stats by clicking here.
Key Moments
Sylacauga opened the third quarter on a 9-0 run, fueled by two 3-pointers from Franklin and another from Crowe.
This marks the second time this postseason the Aggies faced a halftime deficit. Both times, the Aggies came out of the locker room with their hair on fire.
“We went in and challenged them,” Coach Joel Jones said. “I challenged CJ personally. He answered. He came out, knocked down some threes, and got other guys going. The third quarter has been our statement quarter all year, and we did it again tonight.”
Up Next
Sylacauga will return to Legacy Arena at the BJCC to face Vigor for the Class 5A state championship on Saturday, March 1, at 10:45 a.m.
